Fall 2015 Release

Fall 2015 Release
“i have never worked so hard to
change nothing in my life.”
– John Dyson, Proprietor
When John Dyson first said that a year or two after buying Williams Selyem in 1998, it
was a statement about being a dedicated steward to the winemaking, viticulture and
ethical traditions that Burt and Ed began in 1981. That does not mean we never change
anything. It means that John and his wife, Kathe, and every member of the Williams
Selyem family, continually strive to improve every aspect of the wines and winery, while
maintaining our core principles. The proof of that is in every bottle of Williams Selyem
opened and enjoyed, we hope that you’ll agree that, in general, little has changed in the
top quality of the wines, the style of the winemaking or the exacting standards we apply
to everything at Williams Selyem. Now that John and Kathe have owned Williams
Selyem for as many years as Burt and Ed did, we wanted to look back at some of the
Proprietors John and Kathe Dyson history of the last 17 years.
The first thing John did to make certain that the renowned quality of our wines would endure was to establish contracts
with the grape growers who are so important to our success. Burt and Ed had handshake deals, but John thought it prudent
to secure a more formal agreement. So, he went first to one of our most important growers, Joe Rochioli Jr. They hit it off,
realizing that they were like-minded “aggies”, and Joe agreed to maintain the relationship. John is a graduate of the Cornell
College of Agriculture and an expert in viticulture. He has invented a widely used trellising system and even has a patent
for that system. In his knowledge of soils, clones, varieties, climates, and general grape growing know-how, he is rare among
winery owners. Discovering this, Joe vouched for John with the other growers, which aided in our ability to continue to
work with almost every vineyard that Burt and Ed had a relationship with. It is as important today, in 2015, as it was in
1981, during the brand’s infancy, to make the best wine from the best grapes. And, the best grapes come from the best
growers.
While John knew we had the best growers, he also knew that success
over the decades would mean adding some Estate Vineyard properties,
to which we could apply our exacting standards in every aspect of
their cultivation. In 1998, Williams Selyem purchased and developed
its first estate vineyard, Drake Estate, near Guerneville, California.
Located next to the Russian River, the vineyard is comprised of the
same soil type and has the same climate as many other top sites in the
Russian River Valley. Planted in 1999, the first crop was harvested in
2001 and we introduced our first Estate Chardonnay from this
property later on in 2006.
Drake Estate Vineyard
In 2001, the Williams Selyem Estate property was purchased from the descendants of Cecil and Luella Litton, who
homesteaded the property in the 1850s. John worked closely with Chris Bowland, our Estate Vineyard Manager, to begin
planting the Williams Selyem Estate Vineyard. Thirty-two soil pits were dug, and great time and effort were spent in
determining which rootstocks and clones would work with the many different soil types on the property. With the
fanatical attention to detail that we seek to bring into everything we do, we decided to vary the rootstocks within the
hillside rows, as the soil changed significantly about halfway up. The clones used in the vineyard were mostly California
heritage clones of Pinot Noir, like Pommard, Swan, Mt. Eden and Calera. To honor the heritage of the Litton family, we
now produce an Estate wine called Luella’s Garden, in her memory.
Continued on next page
7227 Westside Road, Healdsburg, CA 95448 T (707) 433-6425 F (707) 431-4862
www.williamsselyem.com
contact@williamsselyem.com
Continued from page 1
In 2004, Chris, John and the team continued planting the vineyard,
this time with the experimental planting for the Block 10 Mass
Selection Pinot Noir. Incorporating a practice more typically used
in Burgundy, Block 10 is planted to 18 different Pinot Noir clones
all intermixed within the same block. The interplanting of
different Pinot Noir clones provides for clusters that will be at
slightly varying levels of ripeness, sugar, acidity and tannins when
they are harvested. The lack of homogeny creates a complex wine,
more reflective of the vineyard site and the specific vintage
characteristics than anything else.
Williams Selyem Winery under Construction
Estate Vineyard
With the best grapes and the best growers well in hand,
John also wanted to create a home for Williams Selyem,
where customers could experience the wine and the
vineyards firsthand, and a place the staff could call home
during work hours. So, in 2007, we broke ground on a new
winery on the Estate property. The state-of-the-art facility
was designed by architect Alex Ceppi, known for creating
world-class, sustainable architecture, which is both
dramatic and ecologically efficient. John worked very
closely with Alex to ensure that every detail of his vision to
create a premier facility for guests and employees alike came
to fruition. In keeping with tradition, however, our cellar
team still crushes and ferments grapes at the Allen Vineyard
facility, where it was done in Burt and Ed’s day.
In 2010, an old friend rejoined the family, as we began making wine
from the Morning Dew Ranch, which is owned by none other than
Burt Williams. We are delighted to be able to see Burt many times
through the year. We enjoy raising a glass with him and picking his
brain for priceless nuggets from the early days. In 2011, we brought on
Jeff Mangahas, who became the third winemaker in Williams Selyem
history. Like Burt Williams, and Bob Cabral, Jeff was charged with
making the best wines, from the best grapes, from the best growers,
while keeping within the Williams Selyem style. As you’ve seen in the
recent offerings, this is a task at which Jeff and his very talented team
have excelled.
The most recent change occurred last year when another exceptional
vineyard property, near Eastside Road, was added to the portfolio.
There were some excellent old vine Chardonnay and Pinot Noir vines
John Dyson & Jeff Mangahas
on the site, as well as some older blocks that were in need of replanting.
John, Jeff and Chris immediately started in on replanting some of the older blocks and made a few additional
improvements to the site. Be on the lookout for offerings from this exciting new Estate property in 2016! In
addition to acquiring some estate vineyards, we also garnered some accolades along the way: from receiving the
first 100 point score for a Pinot Noir; to being featured on magazine covers; to winning a saddle (yes, a saddle!) in a
Texas wine competition. But the compliments which matter most to us are from our list members. In every note
we receive, in every post on social media, and with every visit, we are reminded of how loyal our fans are. These are
daily reminders of why we strive to maintain the pinnacle of quality that all began with two friends so many years
ago.
Though some things have changed with the passing of time, the mission has remained the same; to make the best
wines from the best grapes, from the best growers. It’s a mission that may seem simple in practice, but just ask
John Dyson.
A Note
Elegant
on the 2013 vintage
2013 Bucher Vineyard Pinot Noir
With great back-to-back vintages, 2013 was every bit as
good as 2012 has proven to be. Amidst concerns about
another drought year, the rain gauges filled up to about
80% of the yearly average. The growing conditions were
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
$59
13.5% ALC.
This vintage of the Bucher Vineyard Pinot Noir shows a dark fruit
profile at first, but with some air reveals lighter top-notes of red
raspberry and strawberry. Saddle leather, tar and grilled rosemary
sprigs complete the aromatic fireworks. Round and soft on the palate,
there is enough acidity to provide cling and extend the red fruit flavor
profile into the finish, which is highlighted with elements of smoked
game meats and espresso roast coffee beans.
very favorable, which resulted in a remarkably similar
growing season to the exceptional 2012 vintage. The
only notable difference, however, was the increase of
heat units in 2013, as measured by the Growing Degree
Day index. With below average rainfall for the season
bud break initiated earlier than average along Westside
Road. April showers helped to drive good shoot growth
and set the plants up for May flowering. Excellent
weather at flowering time allowed for fantastic set and a
bountiful yield across all appellations and varieties. Even
with an earlier start to the growing season, the grapes
had the ideal amount of time on the vine to achieve full
maturity without any threat of inclement weather late in
the season. Wines from the 2013 vintage exhibit
2013 Burt Williams’ Morning Dew Ranch
Pinot Noir
$78
ANDERSON VALLEY
Explosive aromatics of black cherry, pomegranate and elderberry
immediately emerge from the glass, while subtle touches of mandarin
orange and vanilla keep the nose fresh. A surprising note of nectarine
further adds to the complex aroma. Fleshy on the palate, there is
weight without heaviness, owing to the balanced acidity. In the
mouth, minerals and finely textured tannin seem to cling to the palate
and finish with a spicy cherry pit impression. Again, patience is
required in this glorious effort.
2013 Allen Vineyard Pinot Noir
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
2013 Precious Mountain Vineyard
Pinot Noir
provide longevity, but the supple structure also offers
SONOMA COAST
My comments on the individual wines are nearby.
-- Jeff Mangahas, Winemaker
$82
13.7% ALC.
Juicy strawberry and black cherry are complemented perfectly with
citrus and creamy vanilla elements. Complex notes of cinnamon,
crushed rocks and earthy tea add to the elegant nose that is Allen
Vineyard Pinot Noir. Red flowers and red cherry provide an immediate lift in the mouth, which give way to highly polished tannins and an
Oolong tea feel. This wine has a staying power that lingers on and on.
The old vines on this site produce an incredible concentration on the
nose and palate, which is unparalleled.
extremely pure and polished tannins and the acidity will
earlier enjoyment.
13.8% ALC.
$95
13.8% ALC.
Dark berry notes mingle with fennel seed, anise and grilled herbs. A
hint of lavender lifts the nose of this structured wine. Upon entry into
the mouth, tannins reminiscent of grapefruit pith cling to the palate,
while subtle hints of crushed rocks become more prominent. The
depth of this wine provides a finish which seems to linger on forever.
Precious Mountain’s defining quality is texture, and this wine is an
archetype for the site and the Sonoma Coast.
PINOT NOIR
Medium-Bodied
2013 Calegari Vineyard Pinot Noir
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
Full -Bodied
$58
13.8% ALC.
With the recent addition of Mt. Eden and Swan clones to the blend,
there is increased complexity both in the nose and mouth. Dried
rose petal, anise, fennel seed and cinnamon comingle with cranberry
and red cherry notes. The entry is full and spreads out to cover the
entire palate. Young tannin dominate the middle of the tongue, and
the finish takes on an English breakfast tea-like component.
2013 Vista Verde Vineyard Pinot Noir
SAN BENITO COUNTY
$58
YORKVILLE HIGHLANDS
ANDERSON VALLEY
13.8% ALC.
$65
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
The Eastside Road Neighbors Pinot Noir always shows a darker
fruit profile, when compared to its Westside Road counterpart.
Aromas of blackberry and black cherry immediately fill the nose,
while dried rose petal, mushroom, mocha and cherry cordial further
add to the complexity. Succulent in the mouth, the black fruit
character and softly textured tannin creates a structured but elegant
offering, which can be enjoyed in the near term but will certainly
develop well with additional bottle aging.
2013 Foss Vineyard Pinot Noir
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
$58
13.2% ALC.
Notes of earth, black cherry and cherry pit lead on the nose in this
pleasing offering. Rooibos tea and cedar notes further add to its
complexity. Very round at the entry, the Foss site provides for a
supple, polished tannin structure and the finish lingers on with a
medley of bergamot citrus peel and dusty cocoa powder notes.
2013 Coastlands Vineyard Pinot Noir
SONOMA COAST
$75
14.1% ALC.
The sous bois (or forest-floor, in English) character of the Coastlands
site permeates the nose of this wine. The vineyard is situated on the
Coast range surrounded by redwood trees, making it hard not to pick
up the forest-like elements on the nose and palate. Dark cherry and
pipe tobacco add to the allure of the aromatics. In the mouth, cherry
and cherry pit mingle with tobacco and tree bark flavors. The plushness of the tannins adds to the overall round mouthfeel and the finish
is dotted with a surprising note of lifted cedar.
13.8% ALC.
The hits from this vineyard keep on coming and this deep, brooding
offering is no exception. To bring out the best of this site, a blend
using 6 different clones is made. Fresh notes of rose petal are complemented by an array of red fruits and hints of blood orange. In the
mouth, the cherry flavors take over and elements of nutmeg, and
subtle hints of vanilla, perfectly balance the palate. Persistent tannin
throughout the palate suggests that patience will be required.
2013 Rochioli Riverblock Vineyard
Pinot Noir
13.8% ALC.
$58
Shy and demure at first, but notes of strawberry, sandalwood and
mocha emerge with aeration. Hints of dried lavender and rose petal
add to the allure of the Weir Vineyard Pinot Noir. At the entry,
strawberry and red cherry flavors lead and give way to textural
elements of fine-grained tannin and minerals, and an elegant,
sensational finish.
2013 Ferrington Vineyard Pinot Noir
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
$55
13.6% ALC.
From the glass, the wine immediately sings of black cherry and plum
interlaced with creamy notes of vanilla, nutmeg and hoisin sauce. A
prototypical mineral, or crushed oyster shell, component is prominent
in both the aromatic and palate profiles. Zingy and refreshing on the
palate with notes of clove and star anise giving way to the minerals and
orange pith elements. The long finish is punctuated with hints of
cocoa. A truly electric offering from Vista Verde!
2013 Weir Vineyard Pinot Noir
2013 Eastside Road Neighbors
Pinot Noir
$79
14.2% ALC.
Dark cherry notes lead from the glass and are leavened by notes of
dried thyme and mandarin orange juice. The power-packed palate
reveals this wines true heritage and breed. There is an immediate lift of
raspberry on the entry and then the fine, expressive tannins unfold
and saturate the palate. Wood spices and a prominent finish of clove
and Russian caravan tea round out the wine… a superb Rochioli
Riverblock Pinot Noir, which will require a bit of patience.
2013 Hirsch Vineyard Pinot Noir
SONOMA COAST
$78
14.1% ALC.
Anise, wild herbs and Bing cherry come together on the nose, and
elegantly transition into a smoky tea-like profile. The best coastal
Pinot Noirs boast omnipresent tannins buffered by precise acidity;
the Hirsch site defines this. The cherry and wild herb notes in the
mouth give way to a long finish of mineral and black tea. Superb.
2013 Williams Selyem Estate Vineyard
Pinot Noir
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
$105
14.1% ALC.
The hillsides of Westside Road are special because of their red soils,
which seem to impart a mineral component; the Williams Selyem
Estate typifies this. Pure cherry notes intermix with blood orange,
oyster shell and fennel seed, and meld seamlessly with the French oak
flavors imparted during barrel aging. The very fine acidity highlights
a precision that drives the length of the polished tannins. A very
textural wine that must be cellared to achieve its full potential.
CHARDONNAY
2013 Allen Vineyard Chardonnay
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
$58
14.4% ALC.
Golden apple and creamy vanilla notes lead on the nose and then
meld into scents of mandarin orange peel. While very rich throughout the palate, the refreshing acidity seems to stay focused and lithe.
Flavors of yellow apple and Comice pear are complemented by hints
of allspice. The essence of crushed rock is captured in the finish and
is a wonderful conclusion to this Russian River Valley classic.
Important
Dates
SEPTEMBER 6
$65
2013 Drake Vineyard Chardonnay
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
Close of Release
14.5% ALC.
On the nose, creamy lemon and yellow apple aromas are complemented by hints of jasmine flowers. The perfectly integrated French
oak gives way to a tangerine oil note that intrigues the palate. In the
mouth, flavors of spiced pear, nutmeg, and minerals seem to travel
along a beam of refreshing acidity. The finish is seamless and leaves
the palate with a lifted white flower pop.
OCTOBER 23-25
California Pickup Weekend
OCT 23-NOV 8
Pickup by appointment at
Williams Selyem Estate Winery
(unclaimed wine will be
shipped on November 10)
ZINFANDEL
$55
2013 Bacigalupi Vineyard Zinfandel
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
14.7% ALC.
Blackberry and plum jump from the glass and intermix with red
raspberry and cherry. A floral quality comes through, with a little
aeration, and complements the darker elements of wood spices and
clove. The flavors lead with dark berry fruits but the red fruits
explode in the middle and transition to anise and clove, and hint of
lavender on the finish. The robust tannin fans out on the finish,
tempered by a refreshing acidity throughout. This is another classic
Zinfandel from the historic Bacigalupi ranch.
OCTOBER 26
Shipping Begins
(weather permitting)
NOVEMBER 6-8
Pickup Weekend Event
at Millbrook Winery in NY
PORT
2010 Vista Verde Vineyard Port, 375ml
SAN BENITO COUNTY
$40
20.0% ALC.
Complex aromas of blackberry cobbler and fig, with highlights of
lavender and dried rose petals, soar from the glass. Maple syrup and
elderberry notes further add to the interest on the nose. Blackberry
flavors persist across the palate and mingle with anise, almond and
toffee notes. A great conclusion to any meal!
CONTACT US
www.williamsselyem.com
contact@williamsselyem.com
Phone: (707) 433-6425
Fax: (707) 431-4862
Ordering
•
Online ordering is strongly encouraged! To access your allocation through the website, log in with the
User ID and encrypted Password printed on your order form.
•
Orders are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Allocations are not guaranteed; they represent the
number of bottles available to you until the wine sells out (which is often before the last day to order).
Please place your order as soon as possible for best order fulfillment.
•
For bottles beyond your allocation, please use the wish list column. These requests will be filled, if
possible, after the close of the release on September 6. You do not need to include payment for wish list
wines; we will charge or invoice your account later if the request is filled.
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While online ordering is strongly encouraged, you may fax your completed order form to
(707) 431-4862. If paying by check, please send via mail to 7227 Westside Rd, Healdsburg CA 95448
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Order confirmations will be sent via email. Please verify your email address!
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Faxed or mailed orders submitted without payment will not be filled; phone and email orders are not
accepted.
Shipping
•
Wines will begin shipping on October 26, weather permitting.
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Some states do not permit direct wine shipments, or they may limit the amount of wine we can ship to
you. Please see the back of your order form for more details and shipping/handling fees.
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We require a shipping address where there is someone over 21 years of age available to sign for the
package during regular business hours.
WinePickup
CALIFORNIA
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If you intend to pick up your wine at Williams Selyem Winery, select the “CA Pickup” option on your order.
Our Fall 2015 Pickup Weekend will be Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, October 23-25, from 10:00 AM to
4:00 PM, at 7227 Westside Road, Healdsburg, CA 95448
Winery pickups are available by appointment at Williams Selyem from October 26-November 8
between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM. Please call or email at least one day in advance to schedule a pickup
date: (707) 433-6425 or tours@williamsselyem.com
Orders not picked up by Sunday, November 8 will be shipped at the customer’s expense to the billing
address listed on the order on Tuesday, November 10.
If you would like All Ways Cool (707) 545-7450, Oeno Vaults (707) 595-3612 , or Fitch Mountain*
(707) 433-1247 to receive the order on your behalf, you must establish an account and coordinate
shipment with that company directly. (*No account required, only prior arrangements with Fitch
Mountain needed)
NEW YORK
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If you intend to pick up your wine at Millbrook Winery, select the “NY Pickup” option on your order.
Fall Pickup Weekend at Millbrook Winery will be November 6-8.
Daily winery pickups are available November 6-30 between 12:00 PM and 5:00 PM, no appointment
necessary. 26 Wing Road, Millbrook, NY 12545, (845) 662-WINE ext. 21,
millbrookwinery@millwine.com, www.millbrookwine.com.