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, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chenin Blanc.
Saitone Ranch is situated in the Russian River Valley on the east side of the Laguna de Santa Rosa flood plain and was planted in 1895.
Crimson in color. 15% ABV. Stunning nose of red fruits, baking spices, citrus and white pepper. Medium body with perfect acidity. Rich and lush with generous fruits. Strawberry, raspberry liqueur, blood orange and pepper on the palate. Exceptional length on the finish. This is a beautiful Zinfandel that could not be showing better at eight years of age. Don’t delay much longer here. Best over the next year or so.
My rating: 95 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 this Fall and be priced around $75.