Williams Selyem Winery began when Ed Selyem and Burt Williams started making wine as a hobby in 1979 in Forestville, California. Their first commercial release was in 1981, and in less than two decades they 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 Jeff Mangahas to carry on the passion for Pinot Noir without compromise. Other varieties bottled at Williams Selyem include Chardonnay, Zinfandel and Chenin Blanc.
The Terra de Promissio Vineyard (which means “the land of promise”) is owned by Charles and Diana Karren, and is located in the southeast part of Petaluma. Fog influenced and often windy, Terra de Promissio is definitely in a cool region of the Sonoma Coast appellation. Clones 777 and 115 are planted on gently sloping hillsides in loam and alluvial type soils.
Crimson in color. 13.9% ABV. Gorgeous nose of red fruits, baking spices and flowers. Medium body with exquisite acidity. Bursting with bright, juicy fruits. Incredibly elegant and refined. Strawberry, cranberry, black tea and earth on the palate. Exceptional length on the finish. Really beautiful Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir that is aging gracefully. Best over the next several years.
My rating: 94 points.
Williams Selyem can periodically be found at retail, but the mailing list is highly recommended. The 2023 version of this wine will be released next year and priced around $78.