Williams Selyem Winery began with Ed Selyem and Burt Williams making wine as a hobby in 1979 in a garage in Forestville, California, releasing their first commercial vintage in 1981. In less than two decades, Burt and Ed created a cult-status winery of international acclaim. Setting a new standard for Pinot Noir winemaking, they put Sonoma County’s Russian River Valley at the forefront of the best Pinot Noir regions in the world. Today John and Kathe Dyson, who purchased the winery from Burt and Ed in 1998, work with winemaker Bob Cabral to carry on the passion for Pinot Noir without compromise.
Vista Verde Vineyard is located a couple miles southeast of Hollister, California near the small town of Tres Pinos in San Benito County. This heavy limestone vineyard is separated into blocks that include clones such as Calera, Canada, and Pommard.
The wine checks in at an old school 13.9 % ABV. Magenta in color. The aromas of the wine literally jump out of the glass and fill the room with amazing Pinot Noir scents. Spice, nutmeg, forest floor, mushrooms, black cherry, brown sugar and vanilla on the palate. Great grip, super acidity and an exceptional finish. It is hard to believe this wine is eleven years old.
Many longtime Williams Selyem followers believe the wines of Bob Cabral do not age as well as those made by Burt Williams. The jury is still out, but this wine would do Burt proud.
My rating: 92 points
Williams Selyem can periodically be found at retail, but the mailing list is highly recommended. The current vintage of this wine is about $60 off the mailing list.
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