96pts from North Coast Wine Challenge

Perched atop a hill between the towns of Sebastopol and Freestone in the Green Valley of Russian River, sits the William James Vineyard.  Decades ago, the famed Gravenstein Apples were grown on this property with deep and fluffy Goldridge soils.  With a mix of Heritage and Dijon clones, the grapes thrive in this colder, foggy and windy climate in West County.  The wine has wonderful aromas of nutmeg and red plum compote that explode on the palate with light smoke and blackberry finishes. There is a backend lift to this wine which brings brightness and promises some nice longevity.