Zinfandel of the Month is a regular feature on Zinfandel Chronicles. Keep in mind that although the Zinfandel of the Month might be an older bottle, the current vintage will be one you can find at retail or via the mailing list.
The January Zinfandel of the Month is the 2017 Williams Selyem Papera Vineyard.
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.
Papera Ranch is situated in the Russian River Valley at the intersection of Piner and Olivet and was planted in 1934 by Charlie Papera. Most vineyards from this era are comprised of a number of mixed black varieties. Papera, on the other hand, is almost entirely Zinfandel. Papera made my list of Top 10 Old Vine Zinfandel Vineyards.
Crimson in color. 15% ABV. Gorgeous nose of red fruits, peach and baking spices. Medium body with exquisite acidity. Impeccably balanced. Vibrant, juicy fruits in spades. Raspberry, strawberry, earth and pepper on the palate. The finish is long and supple. Although this lacks the exuberance of youth it is hard to ask for more from an eight your old Zinfandel. Showing beautifully and absolutely delicious. Best over the next 1-2 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.