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.
Vista Verde Vineyard sits in San Benito County, on the rolling hills of a former cattle ranch outside the town of Hollister.
Ruby red in color. 13.7% ABV. Pretty nose of red fruits, cloves, baking spices and flowers. Medium body with exquisite acidity. Rich and earthy with structure in spades. Cherry, cranberry, pomegranate and minerals on the palate. Exceptional length on the finish. Vista Verde has always been a value in the Williams Selyem SVD lineup. This Pinot Noir will continue to drink well for another 3-5 years.
My rating: 94 points.
Williams Selyem can periodically be found at retail, but the mailing list is highly recommended. The 2025 version of this wine will be released next year and be priced around $75.