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. In 2024 Domaine Faiveley a historic family-owned wine producer from Burgundy led by Erwan Faiveley, acquired the controlling stake following a minority investment in 2020
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.
Crimson in color. 15% ABV. Sublime nose of red and black fruits, anise, mint and pepper. Medium to full bodied with mouth watering acidity. Lush and concentrated with mature fruits. Black cherry, raspberry liqueur, plum and white pepper on the palate. Exceptional length on the finish. Sensational Zinfandel that is ready to drink. Papera at its very best. Drink this Summer.
My rating: 94 points.
The 2025 version of this wine will be released next Spring and cost around $72.
Williams Selyem can periodically be found at retail, but the mailing list is highly recommended.