Freddy R. Troya

9.7

Williams Selyem – Zinfandel – 2022
Saitone Estate Vineyard – Russian River Valley – USA 🇺🇸

Overview
A thrilling outlier in the Williams Selyem portfolio, an estate known for Pinot Noir yet capable of crafting a Zinfandel of remarkable finesse and depth. Sourced from the historic Saitone Estate Vineyard, one of the Russian River Valley’s most distinctive old-vine sites, this 2022 Zinfandel delivers profound character, balance, and site expression. Easily among my top Sonoma Zins ever tasted.

Aromas & Flavors
Blackberry, ripe plum, and wild raspberry woven with notes of cracked pepper, violet, licorice, and warm sage. Subtle layers of cocoa, cedar, and dried herbs add depth without overpowering the purity of the fruit.

Mouthfeel
Full yet refined. Silky tannins, bright RRV acidity, and graceful structure carry the wine with elegance rather than weight. The finish is long, spicy, and beautifully composed, power meets finesse.

Food Pairings
Grilled lamb, BBQ ribs, wood-fired pizza, roasted pork shoulder, or aged Manchego.

Verdict
A distinctive and profound expression of Zinfandel. Williams Selyem elevates the variety with the same precision and restraint applied to their Pinot Noirs. Lovely, polished, and absolutely memorable, this sits firmly among the best Zins in Sonoma. Cheers!

Did You Know?
Saitone Vineyard is home to some of the oldest vines in the Russian River Valley, planted over a century ago. These old, dry-farmed vines produce low yields of intensely flavored fruit, contributing to the depth and finesse that make this bottling so exceptional. — 6 days ago

Chris Blanchard

9.4

Still one of my fav pinots from the states. Terra de promisso delivers a good grape. Loved the slight spice to this. — 3 days ago

Steve Mitchell

9.3

Loved it ! Paired with our salad and prawns and pasta. — 15 days ago

Craig Becraft

9.2

Nicely texture, dark fruit, smooth tannins , light acidity, but not sappy still bright garnet red — a month ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.4

So Williams Selyem Pinots should be treated is the same fashion as good burgundy, with age. It will always be somewhat sweeter than red burgundy but nonetheless very good.

This shows w/ an array of mid berry fruits accompanied by some darker fruits. Strawberries, cherries, pomegranate, cranberries, raspberries, hint of rhubarb, blackberries and haunting blueberries. Mid berry cola, red licorice, fruit tea, eucalyptus, pine tar notes, pine tree bark, dark, rich soils/earth, dry herbs, mid, dark spice, dry crushed rocks, dry limestone powder, black pepper notes, dry river stone, dry fall leaves, bright florals that are; red, blue, purple with a mix of red & pink roses, late spring waterfall acidity with extreme balance, tension, structure with elegance & smart polish for days and long sets on tree bark/sap & spice.

Still ascending. — a day ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.4

Williams Selyem – Pinot Noir – 2023
Terra de Promissio Vineyard – Sonoma Coast – USA 🇺🇸

Overview
A fresher, beautifully approachable Pinot Noir from the famed Terra de Promissio Vineyard, one of the Sonoma Coast’s most celebrated sites. The Pacific Ocean makes its magic here: cool air, fog influence, and slow ripening come together to create a Pinot of clarity, lift, and coastal finesse. Williams Selyem captures this with effortless precision.

Aromas & Flavors
Bright red cherry, crushed raspberry, and cranberry with hints of pomegranate, rose petal, and a whisper of baking spice. A touch of coastal herb and minerality brings added freshness.

Mouthfeel
Light to medium-bodied with lively acidity, silky tannins, and a seamless, graceful texture. Incredibly approachable yet still layered, finishing long, crisp, and refined.

Food Pairings
Roasted salmon, chicken with herbs, mushroom risotto, charcuterie, or soft cheeses like Brie and Taleggio.

Verdict
A fresh, lifted, and irresistibly drinkable Sonoma Coast Pinot. Coastal influence, thoughtful winemaking, and site purity come together in a wine that is elegant, vibrant, and classically Williams Selyem. Cheers!

Did You Know?
Terra de Promissio (“Land of Promise”), is one of the most sought-after Pinot Noir sites in Sonoma Coast. Its Goldridge soils and ocean-cooled climate consistently produce fruit of finesse and aromatic brilliance. — 8 days ago

Scott E. Becker

9.2

[Tasted on October 25, 2025 with Tom and Kathy at their house]

Raspberry and dark cherry fruit, with black tea and mineral notes. Beautiful wine with nice acidity. — a month ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.5

Williams Selyem – Pinot Noir – 2022
Luella’s Garden Estate Vineyard – Russian River Valley – USA 🇺🇸

Overview
A sophisticated, micro-lot Pinot Noir from the Luella’s Garden Estate Vineyard, one of the most intimate and expressive sites in the Russian River Valley. The 2022 vintage shows remarkable purity and finesse, highlighting a delicate, silky interpretation of RRV Pinot shaped by meticulous farming and a minimalist winemaking approach.

Aromas & Flavors
Welcoming aromas of ripe cherry, raspberry, and strawberry compote with gentle hints of rose petal, tea leaf, and a whisper of baking spice. The palate echoes the aromatics with seamless fruit purity and quiet complexity.

Mouthfeel
Extremely silky and smooth, with fine-grained tannins and lifted natural acidity. Medium-bodied but feather-light in texture, gliding across the palate with elegance. The finish is clean, refined, and softly persistent.

Food Pairings
Duck confit, wild mushroom pasta, cedar-plank salmon, roast quail, or mild creamy cheeses.

Verdict
A terroir-driven masterpiece, delicate, silky, and precision-focused. This micro-lot from Luella’s Garden showcases the beauty of a specific corner of the Russian River Valley, expressed with extraordinary grace.

Did You Know?
Luella’s Garden is one of Williams Selyem’s smallest and most cherished estate parcels. Its unique exposure and meticulous vineyard care contribute to fruit of exceptional finesse—perfect for crafting ultra-polished, small-production Pinot Noir. — 8 days ago

Scott E. Becker

9.4

[Tasted on November 23, 2025 at Home with Michael, Rachel and Kat]

Raspberry and blackberry fruit, with violet and soft cedar notes. Wine Spectator rated 96 points and rated #4 in its Top 100 of 2025 list. — 6 days ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.4

Williams Selyem – Pinot Noir – Vintage 2023
Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County, California, USA 🇺🇸

Overview
An exquisitely balanced Pinot Noir that bridges sophistication and accessibility with effortless grace. This Sonoma Coast expression from Williams Selyem encapsulates the winery’s hallmark finesse, purity of fruit, silky texture, and a sense of place that feels both coastal and timeless.

Aromas & Flavors
A radiant medley of red berries; strawberry, raspberry, and cranberry, accented by rose petals, wet stone, and a touch of baking spice. The fruit feels pure and translucent, lifted by cool coastal energy.

Mouthfeel
Silky and impeccably polished, with a seamless mid-palate glide. The interplay of fruit, acidity, and texture is so harmonious it makes you pause between sips , a masterclass in balance.

Food Pairings
Ideal with cedar-plank salmon, duck breast with cherry glaze, or wild mushroom risotto. Its versatility shines across both elegant and rustic cuisine.

Verdict
A Pinot that pleases both the collector and the casual drinker, sophisticated yet inviting. It resonates with critics and enthusiasts alike, a true reflection of Williams Selyem’s craftsmanship on the Sonoma Coast.

Did You Know?
The Sonoma Coast AVA, cooled by Pacific fog and ocean breezes, produces some of California’s most refined and age-worthy Pinot Noirs. This 2023 vintage captures that maritime freshness beautifully.

🍷 Personal Pick Highlight
A wine of quiet brilliance, where restraint meets depth. Each sip feels intentional, reminding you how elegant California Pinot can truly be. — a month ago