The winner of my festive red wines was Williams Selyem Pinot Noir – Russian River Valley (2012). We based ourselves in Monte Rio for our tasting trip to this area and loved the Chardonnays, fizz and Pinot Noir. It’s proximity to the Pacific Ocean brings cooling fogs to the region. We had a quick nose at the entrance to Bohemian Grove – and a little weirdness ensued, what with being followed for hours by two cars and a motorbike through forests of giant redwoods…

Tasting notes: The 2011 vintage was given a score of 18/20 by Jancis Robinson and the 2002 vintage was given a score of 92 by Wine Spectator. This is the most sought-after and among the highest-priced wines from Russian River Valley.

Wine Colour – Red
Price – £68
Current Vintage – 2012
Producer – Williams Selyem
Grape – 100% Pinot Noir
Region/Country – Russian River Valley
Points – 93

Food pairings: We had this with a sirloin of beef on the bone. It was exceptional.