March 11, 2010
Clos Pepe: A Grape named Pinot, a Vigneron, a Facilitator, a Dead Head, a Dog named Bud, and a Horse named Charlemagne Whole Cluster Fermentation: A Wild Card Kalin Cellars: Courting Unami Carr Vineyards & Winery: Urban Winery with a Wine Country Soul Benziger Pinot Noir Program Now Shines On the Pinot Trail: Recent Winery Visits Newsworthy Headlines & Trends About Pinot Noir in 2009 Small Sips of Pinot VinAssure™ Wine Preservation System Wes Hagen Discusses Sta. Rita Hills Geology & Clos Pepe Vineyard
Conversation with Stephen Pepe of Clos Pepe Vineyard & Estate Wines
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Williams Selyem
| Owner(s) | John Dyson, Kathe Dyson |
| Web site | www.williamsselyem.com |
| Link to this site |
Burt Williams and Ed Selyem were among the first "garagiste" Pinot Noir producers in Sonoma County and their wines reached such heights of excellence that their own popularity eventually drove them out of the business in 1997. Their interesting story has been well-detailed in the PinotFile. In 1997, they sold the winery (really they sold just a name as they owned no vineyards or winery) for nine million dollars to businessman John Dyson and his wife Kathe. He brought on winemaker Bob Cabral, built a winery on Westside Road, planted vineyards (they now own 70 acres), sought out new vineyard sources, and kept the Williams Selyem flag flying high. The wines do not duplicate the old Williams Selyem style, rather they are riper and richer with more color.
Annual production has gradually increased to over 14,000 cases and prices have crept up. 40% of production is estate grown. There are multiple blended and vineyard-designate Pinot Noirs offered as well as Chardonnay and Zinfandel. The wines are sold exclusively through a large mailing list.
Articles About Williams Selyem
Pinots from the Edge (6.57 4/7/2008)
Small Sips of California Pinot Noir: Just Drink It (7.3 10/1/2008)
Small Sips of Sonoma Coast (6.63 8/4/2008)
Small Sips of the Russian River Valley (6.63 8/4/2008)
Tasty Pinots from the Russian River Valley (6.51 1/20/2008)
Williams Selyem: A California Icon (8.11 2/15/2010)
Reviewed Wines
2007 Williams Selyem Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., $45. Primarily sourced from the winery’s
Drake Estate Vineyard planted in 1998. Pommard and Dijon 115.
·
Heady aromas of Bing cherries, cola and
baking spice. Reasonably concentrated flavors of dark red cherry and berry fruit which build in intensity in the
glass. Very pleasing in the mouth with soft tannins and a crisp finish. Very good.
Reviewed February 15, 2010
ARTICLE »
2007 Williams Selyem Bucher Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
13.9% alc., $54.
·
Marvelous
spiced Bing cherry aromas predict greatness but the wine deliver flavors with a disappointing message. The
cherry core is dominated by an earthy, savory, woody imprint that just wasn’t to my liking. Decent.
Reviewed February 15, 2010
ARTICLE »
2007 Williams Selyem Flax Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., $54.
·
A signature Russian River Valley Pinot nose perfumed
with nicely spiced berry and cherry compote with an echo of oak. Very
tasty panoply of red berries and cherries intensely composed like a
flavorful liquor. Juicy with a smooth viscous mouth feel, supple tannins
and perfect balance. A great wine that reminds me of old vintages of
Williams Selyem and one of my favorites in this lineup.
Reviewed February 15, 2010
ARTICLE »
2007 Williams Selyem Peay Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.3%
alc., $54.
·
The nose lack sensory impact but offers demure aromas of redder
fruits and crushed rocks. Elegantly composed and shy in generosity of flavor
but offering pleasing notes of dark red cherries and cranberries, mocha and
spice. Has the balance to age and certainly will become more expressive with
time in the cellar. Very good (+)
Reviewed February 15, 2010
ARTICLE »
2007 Williams Selyem Vista Verde Vineyard San Benito County Pinot Noir
13.9% alc., $54.
·
This wine
offers an interesting array of scents including fresh berries, black currants, vanillin oak and stem. Moderately
rich middle palate of cherry and berry fruit with a hint of citrus bringing up the rear. Bright and juicy with
moderate persistence on the finish. Solid but not spectacular. Very good in this vintage.
Reviewed February 15, 2010
ARTICLE »
2007 Williams Selyem Weir Vineyard Yorkville Highlands Pinot Noir
14.3% alc., $56.
·
This wine takes on more muscle and interest with time
in the glass. The nuanced aromatic profile features dark stone fruits,
spice, oak and toast. Deep, dark but charming fruit is wrapped in firm
tannins and balanced acidity. A virile wine of great intensity that has
multiple layers of fruit and perfect harmony.
Reviewed February 15, 2010
ARTICLE »
2007 Williams Selyem Ferrington Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
13.9% alc., $62.
·
Simple perfume
of crushed cherries, berries and sweet oak. A rich, full-bodied and tasty fruit-driven wine with a little acidic tang
on the finish. The tannins are reigned in creating a silky drinking experience. A bit one-dimensional but the
sappy fruit flavors will find many fans. Very good.
Reviewed February 15, 2010
ARTICLE »
2007 Williams Selyem Westside Road Neighbors Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
13.8% alc., $67. A complex blend from the best growers on
Westside Road including Allen, Bacigalupi, Bucher, Flax, Rochioli Riverblock and
Litton Estate.
·
Brooding aromas of dark stone fruits, spice and vanilla. Opens
somewhat in the glass but never offers a big dose of fruit. Full-bodied,
magnificently flavored core of cherries, cranberries, and raspberries pulled into
line by fine acidity and ripe tannins with a subtle accent of sweet oak. A little
closed and not what it will be. Decant if you must drink now. Very good
Reviewed February 15, 2010
ARTICLE »
2007 Williams Selyem Coastlands Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.3% alc., $69.
·
Very dark
reddish-purple color in the glass. Intense aromas of blackberries, black plums, Indian spices, loamy earth and
green garden with a hint of alcohol peaking out. Unctuous, tannic, rough hewn and muscular on the attack
featuring smoky dark fruits and a citrus underpinning. Needs food, preferably short ribs. Decent.
Reviewed February 15, 2010
ARTICLE »
2007 Williams Selyem Hirsch Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.3% alc., $72.
·
Starts off strong in the
glass with alluring floral and red berry scents, fading over time revealing more savory, earthy accents.
Delicious and generous lasting flavors of deep red cherries and berries pulled into line with fine grain tannins
and bright acidity revealing itself in a citric peel highlighted finish. Not a huge or loud wine, but very satisfying.
Very good.
Reviewed February 15, 2010
ARTICLE »
2007 Williams Selyem Rochioli Riverblock Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
13.9% alc., $75.
·
Very alluring scents of cardamon
spice, rose petals and Bing cherries. An impressive wine with a
discreetly concentrated cherry and berry core augmented with Xmas
spice, vanilla and an undertone of minerality. The silky texture is dreamy
and the overall impression is one of purity, vibrancy and harmony. This is
clearly the class of the lineup and will definitely find a place on my 2010 All
American team.
Reviewed February 15, 2010
ARTICLE »
2007 Williams Selyem Allen Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
13.8% alc., $78.
·
Subdued aromas
of wild berries and plums. Earth-laden dark fruits with a hint of tea and root beer. Rich and husky but not
showing much chutzpah now. Smoothly textured and well-crafted but dull. I expect more from this bottling and
perhaps it will improve with time in the cellar. I didn’t have a second bottle to sample. Decent (+).
Reviewed February 15, 2010
ARTICLE »
2007 Williams Selyem Precious Mountain Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.4% alc., $90.
·
Delicate aromas of dark stone fruits and
blackberries. A hulk of a wine with prodigious dark fruit that coats the
mouth with intensity. A wonderful sipping wine that will charm any big fruit
lover. Hard to keep you hands off now, but cellaring will provide dividends
down the road. This wine definitely stands out from the pack.
Reviewed February 15, 2010
ARTICLE »
2006 Williams Selyem Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., $34.
·
Strawberries, red cherries, allspice and a
hint of pine resin on the nose. Light-weighted tart red cherry and blueberry flavors. Soft, cozy and feminine
with brisk acidity. Simple but enjoyable.
Reviewed October 1, 2008
ARTICLE »
2006 William Selyem Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., $42.
·
Strawberry, red cherry, allspice,
and a hint of pine resin on the nose with light and tart red cherry and blueberry flavors. Soft, feminine and
cozy with lively acidity. Simple, but enjoyable.
Reviewed August 4, 2008
ARTICLE »
2006 Williams Selyem Sonoma County Pinot Noir
13.9% alc., $42.
·
Light crimson in color with a slight
haze. Beautiful candied cherries, new oak and a little barnyard stink on the nose. Lightly spiced cherry flavors
with an earthy edge. Simple and short, losing interest with time in the glass.
Reviewed October 1, 2008
ARTICLE »
2006 Williams Selyem Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.3% alc., $45.
·
A haunting perfume of
warm Bing cherry tart. Bright red cherry, cola and a hint of spice including cinnamon. Light in weight,
even a bit too shallow, but smooth from start to finish. An easy drinker, but lacks excitement. Tasted
twice.
Reviewed August 4, 2008
ARTICLE »
2005 Williams Selyem Peay Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
13.9% alc., $54.
·
Dark as the night.
A lovely elegant wine with black raspberries highlighted by earth and cinnamon spice. No tannins in and a lengthy fruity finish. This wine is all about fruit.
Reviewed April 7, 2008
ARTICLE »
2005 Williams Selyem Hirsch Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.3% alc.,
$72.
·
Deep ruby color. A big and sappy fruit attack featuring black berries complimented
by exotic woods leading to a delicate finish with lingering dark cherry notes.
Nicely crafted, smooth in the mouth, with lively and refreshing acidity.
Reviewed April 7, 2008
ARTICLE »
2004 Williams Selyem Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
13.9% alc., $42. Sourced
from several vineyards, mainly the winery’s Drake Estate Vineyard in Guerneville.
·
Cherries, herbs, oak and port aromas lead to a mouthful of bright Bing cherry fruit and a
sidecar of clove and other spices. A pleasurable drink that would be better enjoyed at the
dinner table then sipped for contemplation.
Reviewed January 20, 2008
ARTICLE »
2004 Williams Selyem Rochioli Riverblock Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.4% alc., $72.
·
Voluptuous Bing cherry perfume which draws you in and won’t let go. Pure and precise dark cherry
flavors with a sidecar of sassafras and oak. Full-bodied, rich and full on the mid palate,
clean and refreshing at the end. The texture is silky and sensuous. A very classy wine and
one to buy for sure.
Reviewed January 20, 2008
ARTICLE »
2007 Williams Selyem Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., $45. Primarily sourced from the winery’s Drake Estate Vineyard planted in 1998. Pommard and Dijon 115. · Heady aromas of Bing cherries, cola and baking spice. Reasonably concentrated flavors of dark red cherry and berry fruit which build in intensity in the glass. Very pleasing in the mouth with soft tannins and a crisp finish. Very good. Reviewed February 15, 2010 ARTICLE »
2007 Williams Selyem Bucher Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
13.9% alc., $54. · Marvelous spiced Bing cherry aromas predict greatness but the wine deliver flavors with a disappointing message. The cherry core is dominated by an earthy, savory, woody imprint that just wasn’t to my liking. Decent. Reviewed February 15, 2010 ARTICLE »
2007 Williams Selyem Flax Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., $54. · A signature Russian River Valley Pinot nose perfumed with nicely spiced berry and cherry compote with an echo of oak. Very tasty panoply of red berries and cherries intensely composed like a flavorful liquor. Juicy with a smooth viscous mouth feel, supple tannins and perfect balance. A great wine that reminds me of old vintages of Williams Selyem and one of my favorites in this lineup. Reviewed February 15, 2010 ARTICLE »
2007 Williams Selyem Peay Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.3% alc., $54. · The nose lack sensory impact but offers demure aromas of redder fruits and crushed rocks. Elegantly composed and shy in generosity of flavor but offering pleasing notes of dark red cherries and cranberries, mocha and spice. Has the balance to age and certainly will become more expressive with time in the cellar. Very good (+) Reviewed February 15, 2010 ARTICLE »
2007 Williams Selyem Vista Verde Vineyard San Benito County Pinot Noir
13.9% alc., $54. · This wine offers an interesting array of scents including fresh berries, black currants, vanillin oak and stem. Moderately rich middle palate of cherry and berry fruit with a hint of citrus bringing up the rear. Bright and juicy with moderate persistence on the finish. Solid but not spectacular. Very good in this vintage. Reviewed February 15, 2010 ARTICLE »
2007 Williams Selyem Weir Vineyard Yorkville Highlands Pinot Noir
14.3% alc., $56. · This wine takes on more muscle and interest with time in the glass. The nuanced aromatic profile features dark stone fruits, spice, oak and toast. Deep, dark but charming fruit is wrapped in firm tannins and balanced acidity. A virile wine of great intensity that has multiple layers of fruit and perfect harmony. Reviewed February 15, 2010 ARTICLE »
2007 Williams Selyem Ferrington Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
13.9% alc., $62. · Simple perfume of crushed cherries, berries and sweet oak. A rich, full-bodied and tasty fruit-driven wine with a little acidic tang on the finish. The tannins are reigned in creating a silky drinking experience. A bit one-dimensional but the sappy fruit flavors will find many fans. Very good. Reviewed February 15, 2010 ARTICLE »
2007 Williams Selyem Westside Road Neighbors Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
13.8% alc., $67. A complex blend from the best growers on Westside Road including Allen, Bacigalupi, Bucher, Flax, Rochioli Riverblock and Litton Estate. · Brooding aromas of dark stone fruits, spice and vanilla. Opens somewhat in the glass but never offers a big dose of fruit. Full-bodied, magnificently flavored core of cherries, cranberries, and raspberries pulled into line by fine acidity and ripe tannins with a subtle accent of sweet oak. A little closed and not what it will be. Decant if you must drink now. Very good Reviewed February 15, 2010 ARTICLE »
2007 Williams Selyem Coastlands Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.3% alc., $69. · Very dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Intense aromas of blackberries, black plums, Indian spices, loamy earth and green garden with a hint of alcohol peaking out. Unctuous, tannic, rough hewn and muscular on the attack featuring smoky dark fruits and a citrus underpinning. Needs food, preferably short ribs. Decent. Reviewed February 15, 2010 ARTICLE »
2007 Williams Selyem Hirsch Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.3% alc., $72. · Starts off strong in the glass with alluring floral and red berry scents, fading over time revealing more savory, earthy accents. Delicious and generous lasting flavors of deep red cherries and berries pulled into line with fine grain tannins and bright acidity revealing itself in a citric peel highlighted finish. Not a huge or loud wine, but very satisfying. Very good. Reviewed February 15, 2010 ARTICLE »
2007 Williams Selyem Rochioli Riverblock Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
13.9% alc., $75. · Very alluring scents of cardamon spice, rose petals and Bing cherries. An impressive wine with a discreetly concentrated cherry and berry core augmented with Xmas spice, vanilla and an undertone of minerality. The silky texture is dreamy and the overall impression is one of purity, vibrancy and harmony. This is clearly the class of the lineup and will definitely find a place on my 2010 All American team. Reviewed February 15, 2010 ARTICLE »
2007 Williams Selyem Allen Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
13.8% alc., $78. · Subdued aromas of wild berries and plums. Earth-laden dark fruits with a hint of tea and root beer. Rich and husky but not showing much chutzpah now. Smoothly textured and well-crafted but dull. I expect more from this bottling and perhaps it will improve with time in the cellar. I didn’t have a second bottle to sample. Decent (+). Reviewed February 15, 2010 ARTICLE »
2007 Williams Selyem Precious Mountain Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.4% alc., $90. · Delicate aromas of dark stone fruits and blackberries. A hulk of a wine with prodigious dark fruit that coats the mouth with intensity. A wonderful sipping wine that will charm any big fruit lover. Hard to keep you hands off now, but cellaring will provide dividends down the road. This wine definitely stands out from the pack. Reviewed February 15, 2010 ARTICLE »
2006 Williams Selyem Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., $34. · Strawberries, red cherries, allspice and a hint of pine resin on the nose. Light-weighted tart red cherry and blueberry flavors. Soft, cozy and feminine with brisk acidity. Simple but enjoyable. Reviewed October 1, 2008 ARTICLE »
2006 William Selyem Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., $42. · Strawberry, red cherry, allspice, and a hint of pine resin on the nose with light and tart red cherry and blueberry flavors. Soft, feminine and cozy with lively acidity. Simple, but enjoyable. Reviewed August 4, 2008 ARTICLE »
2006 Williams Selyem Sonoma County Pinot Noir
13.9% alc., $42. · Light crimson in color with a slight haze. Beautiful candied cherries, new oak and a little barnyard stink on the nose. Lightly spiced cherry flavors with an earthy edge. Simple and short, losing interest with time in the glass. Reviewed October 1, 2008 ARTICLE »
2006 Williams Selyem Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.3% alc., $45. · A haunting perfume of warm Bing cherry tart. Bright red cherry, cola and a hint of spice including cinnamon. Light in weight, even a bit too shallow, but smooth from start to finish. An easy drinker, but lacks excitement. Tasted twice. Reviewed August 4, 2008 ARTICLE »
2005 Williams Selyem Peay Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
13.9% alc., $54. · Dark as the night. A lovely elegant wine with black raspberries highlighted by earth and cinnamon spice. No tannins in and a lengthy fruity finish. This wine is all about fruit. Reviewed April 7, 2008 ARTICLE »
2005 Williams Selyem Hirsch Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.3% alc., $72. · Deep ruby color. A big and sappy fruit attack featuring black berries complimented by exotic woods leading to a delicate finish with lingering dark cherry notes. Nicely crafted, smooth in the mouth, with lively and refreshing acidity. Reviewed April 7, 2008 ARTICLE »
2004 Williams Selyem Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
13.9% alc., $42. Sourced from several vineyards, mainly the winery’s Drake Estate Vineyard in Guerneville. · Cherries, herbs, oak and port aromas lead to a mouthful of bright Bing cherry fruit and a sidecar of clove and other spices. A pleasurable drink that would be better enjoyed at the dinner table then sipped for contemplation. Reviewed January 20, 2008 ARTICLE »
2004 Williams Selyem Rochioli Riverblock Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.4% alc., $72. · Voluptuous Bing cherry perfume which draws you in and won’t let go. Pure and precise dark cherry flavors with a sidecar of sassafras and oak. Full-bodied, rich and full on the mid palate, clean and refreshing at the end. The texture is silky and sensuous. A very classy wine and one to buy for sure. Reviewed January 20, 2008 ARTICLE »
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