The powerhouse 2001 Pinot Noir Allen Vineyard (359 cases) reveals copious quantities of raspberry and cherry fruit intertwined with hints of flowers, crushed rocks, wood, and autumnal/leafy notes. It explodes on the palate with great richness, power, and density, which obscure some hefty tannin. This fabulous Pinot should hit its prime in 1-2 years, and last for a decade. All things considered, 2001 and 2002 are the finest back-to-back vintages I have tasted from Williams-Selyem. Tel. (707) 433-6425; Fax (707) 433-6546

Nearly as good as the Flax bottling, opening with a gorgeous aroma of mushroom, tobacco, coffee, Asian spice, cherry, blackberry and oaky vanillins. Like all the current releases, it’s very dry, but rich in sweetly ripe fruit and sweet oak. A little sharp now in acids, which should enable this beauty to age effortlessly through the decade.——S.H.(5/1/2004)—— 93