Vineyard: Litton Estate

OwnersJohn Dyson, Kathe Dyson
AppellationRussian River Valley
StoryEstate vineyard planted and owned by Williams Selyem, named after original homesteader of the property, Cecil Litton. Starting with 2009 vintage, vineyard name changed to Williams Selyem Estate.
Dates Planted2002
Acres19
VarietiesPinot Noir
Clones115, 777, Calera, Mt. Eden (UCD 37), Pommard, Swan

Wineries sourcing from this vineyard

Reviewed wines produced from this vineyard

2008 Williams Selyem Litton Estate Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., $100. · Dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Effusive aromas of black cherry, dark red rose petals and vanilla. Delicious and generous on the palate with a full-bodied core of dark cherry, berry and plum fruit. A bold and boisterous wine, yet it is balanced with some finishing persistence. The biggest wine of the vintages tasted here. Drink or hold short term. Score: 90. Reviewed February 22, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2007 Williams Selyem Litton Estate Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

This wine was not part of the formal tasting but offered at the end as a special treat. The wine ($100) and the new Reidel Sommelier glass it was served in ($125) made for a very special and expensive treat. · Unfortunately, my new glass apparently came direct from its cardboard container because the cardboard smell ruined the aromatic pleasure of the wine. On the palate, there were waves and layers of fruit including cherries, strawberries and rhubarb with accents of cherry cola, clove and minerals. I hope to sample this wine in the future under more favorable conditions. Reviewed April 8, 2010 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2007 Williams Selyem Litton Estate Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., $100. · Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Nicely perfumed with aromas of Bing cherries, dark berries, spice, and oak vanillin. The very ripe, sappy fruit is noticeably intense on the mid palate and finish, and nicely framed by notes of spice, sarsaparilla and oak. Very smooth on the palate with integrated, balanced tannins. The finish really stands out in this wine. Drink or hold short term. Score: 91. Reviewed February 22, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2006 Williams Selyem Litton Estate Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., $100. · Medium reddish-purple hue in the glass. An aged bouquet consisting of scents of fruit bin, dried cherry, leather and earth with a slight green herb note appearing over time. A bit rustic and a tad shallow in the mid palate, offering flavors of earth-dusted black cherries and a subtle flowery and vegetal note in the background. Some dry, suede tannins persist on the pleasingly ripe finish. Drink. Score: 86. Reviewed February 22, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2005 Williams Selyem Litton Estate Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., 50 cases. · Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. Flamboyant spice and Bing cherry on the nose. Mid weight core of dark cherry, baking spice and dried herb flavors with an impressively long fruit-driven finish. Still alive and vibrant. Drink. Score: 88. Reviewed February 22, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2005 Williams Selyem Litton Estate Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., pH 3.55, 48 cases, $100. Harvested from 12 acres at 24.2 Brix. Pommard (60%), Swan (25%) and Mt. Eden (15%). Aged 18 months in 100% 1-year-old Francois Freres oak barrels. This was the first Williams Selyem 100% estate wine and was given to the winery’s best customers and not sold. · A very pleasing wine that is moderately delicate in style. Lovely aromas of berry tart, cedar and cut flowers. The redder-fruit core is a bit tart and tight. There are some welcoming accents of Asian spice box and cherry cola. Reviewed April 8, 2010 WINERY » ARTICLE »