Ferrington Pinot Noir, Williams Selyem 2020 75cl

Ferrington is one of Williams Selyem's most celebrated single-vineyard Pinot Noirs, and it comes not from their home turf but from the cooler reaches of Anderson Valley. The 2020 is a soulful, perfumed expression from one of California's finest Pinot sites.

Anderson Valley, in Mendocino, is a narrow, fog-cooled corridor that many consider California's answer to Burgundy's coolest slopes. The Ferrington vineyard is a long-standing Williams Selyem source, and the house's light-handed winemaking lets the site's natural elegance come through unforced.

Expect a bright, lucent ruby and a fragrant nose of red cherry, cranberry and pomegranate, edged with dried rose, sweet baking spice, a touch of orange peel and a savoury, foresty undertone. The palate is graceful and mid-weight, with juicy acidity, silky tannins and a long, spiced, red-fruited finish. There is real detail and lift here, the mark of a cool site in careful hands.

At £129.99 this is a serious Pinot for the enthusiast who prizes finesse over power. Lovely now, it will hold and deepen over the next four to seven years.

How to Serve

Serve at 15-16°C in large Burgundy stems. A 30-minute decant helps the aromatics bloom.

Where to Drink It

Noble Rot for its thoughtful wine list. Cornerstone for refined fish and shellfish. Kitchen Table for a considered tasting menu.

Food Pairings

Try it with roast quail or grilled tuna. Wild mushroom pasta suits its savoury edge.