Williams Selyem

Articles About Williams Selyem

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 »

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 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 »

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 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 »

2004 Williams Selyem Rochioli Riverblock Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., pH 3.48, $72. Clones 115, 777 and West Block. Harvested at 24.6 Brix. Aged 16 months in 68% new and 32% 1-year-old Francois Freres oak barrels. · Aromas of spiced berries and cut flowers. Intense and sappy dark red cherries and berries that coat the mouth, finishing with bright aromatic fruit on a very persistent finish. Reviewed April 8, 2010 ARTICLE »

2002 Williams Selyem Westside Road Neighbors Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., pH 3.55, $59. Harvested at 24.6 average Brix. Aged 15 months in 67% new and 33% 1-year-old Francois Freres oak barrels. · Deeply colored. Perfume of black cherries, ripe strawberries, spice and underbrush which picks up intensity in the glass over time. The flashy attack of raspberry and strawberry is nicely spiced. As the fruit expands in the mouth, the plushness is very sensual. An in-your-face wine that is thoroughly hedonistic with an impressively long finish. Can go many more years. Reviewed April 8, 2010 ARTICLE »

2001 Williams Selyem Flax Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., pH 3.61, $46. Harvested at 23.9-24.1 Brix. Aged 17 months in 60% new and 40% 1- year-old Francois Freres oak barrels. · Bright and nuanced nose showing off scents of raspberries, cranberries, cola and wet wood. Delicious core of moderately rich black cherries and boysenberries with a touch of earthiness and cherry cola. Soft, smooth and very pleasing. Reviewed April 8, 2010 ARTICLE »

1999 Williams Selyem Precious Mountain Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., pH 3.43, $80. Harvested at 24.1 Brix in mid-October during a cold year. Aged 14 months in 66% new and 34% 1-year-old Francois Freres oak barrels. · Astonishingly fresh, as if vinified recently. Vivid plum tart on the nose. Very tasty flavors of Asian spiced plum, wild berries and white pepper. Wines from this vineyard show consistent age ability. Reviewed April 8, 2010 ARTICLE »

1997 Williams Selyem Rochioli Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

13.6% alc., pH 3.53, $125 (Burt requested this price as a tribute to the last vintage of Rochioli Vineyard at Williams Selyem). Harvested at 23.5 Brix. Aged 19 months in 70% new and 30% 1-year-old Francois Freres oak barrels. · Still a big and satisfying wine displaying black cherry and dark red berry fruit with a lush mid palate. Finishes with a note of tart cherries and marzipan. Reviewed April 8, 2010 ARTICLE »

1996 Williams Selyem Hirsch Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.8% alc., pH 3.59, $45. Primarily from older blocks planted to Mt. Eden selection and Pommard clone. Harvested at 23.5 to 24.2 Brix in late August as this was a warm year. Aged 18 months in 70% new and 30% 1-year-old Francois Freres oak barrels. · The star of the seminar. Deep and savory berry fruit aromas lead to a delicious and intense berry core that is mildly spiced. Smoothly textured with gossamer tannins and a persistent finish with a slight citrus note. Simply great! Reviewed April 8, 2010 ARTICLE »

1995 Williams Selyem Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

13.6% alc., pH 3.57, $29. A blend of 27% Olivet Lane Vineyard, 69% Cohn Vineyard, and 6% Rochioli East Block. Harvested at 23.1 to 23.8 Brix. Aged 11 months in 40% new, 30% 1-year-old and 30% 2-year-old Francois Freres oak barrels. · A medium-weighted and well-structured wine with bright black cherry fruit on the nose and palate. The fruit is a little faded bringing acid and oak to the forefront, but there is still plenty of charm. Reviewed April 8, 2010 ARTICLE »

1992 Williams Selyem Olivet Lane Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

13.9% alc., pH 3.46, $28. Harvested at 23.9 Brix. Aged 11 months in 62% new and 38% 1- year-old Francois Freres oak barrels. · The nose is remarkably intense featuring black cherries, cola and spice. Richly fruited with amazingly fresh flavors of black cherries and berries. The tannins have fully integrated and the wine drinks like silk. Incredible. Reviewed April 8, 2010 ARTICLE »

1991 Williams Selyem Allen Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

13.1% alc., pH 3.54, 688 cases, $35. Harvested at 22.5 to 23.8 Brix. Aged 16 months in 50% new and 50% 1-year-old Francois Freres oak barrels. · Aromas of green tea, green bean and cherries. Lightly fruited on the palate with notes of strawberries, rhubarb and faint brown spice offset by bright acidity. Oak tannins surfaced as the wine faded over time in the glass. Reviewed April 8, 2010 ARTICLE »