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.
John and Kathe Dyson, who purchased the winery from Burt and Ed in 1998. The Faiveley family, a prominent Burgundy wine producer, acquired a majority stake from the Dysons in 2024. Winemaker Jeff Mangahas continues to pursue Burt and Ed’s original mission for world class Pinot Noir without compromise. Other varieties bottled at Williams Selyem include Chardonnay, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chenin Blanc.
Weir Vineyard is located in the Yorkville Highlands of Mendocino County and has been a source for Williams Selyem since 1999.
Ruby red in color. 13.8% ABV. Pretty nose of red fruits, cloves, earth and flowers. Medium body with exquisite acidity. Rich and lush with dark fruits and perfect balance. Black cherry, plums, nutmeg and minerals on the palate. The finish is long and seamless. Outstanding Pinot Noir that has aged gracefully. Best over the next several years.
My rating: 93 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.