Spring 2015 Release

Spring 2015 Release
Rain!
what a welcome sight
At the time of writing, we’ve received a series of
storms in Northern California that hopefully signal
the beginning of a wet winter. While these first few
storms don’t indicate the end of our three year
drought, they represent more rain than is normal for
this time of year. We still have a long way to go until
there is a real impact on the drought but we’re
hopeful given the good start.
While water usage and water rights may not be the
most exciting topics, they are incredibly important to
California farmers, vintners and politicians right now.
The importance of water goes well beyond watering
crops. Some of our vineyards are dry-farmed with no irrigation, while others receive small amounts of water, when
necessary. The real importance of water for a winery like us is for frost protection.
There are a few tools which can be used to help protect vineyards against the threat of frost. Wind machines work with
temperature inversions to mix warm air with lower-lying cold air. Heaters are also used, but not commonly, as a sole
source for frost protection because they require large amounts of fuel, are labor-intensive to light, and each heater
generally covers only a small portion of an acre. Water is our most effective tool in frost protection. Early in the growing
season, when new growth occurs, temperatures can get down to or go below freezing. When water is sprayed on the vines
it freezes and forms a protective layer on the outside, which slightly raises the internal temperatures of the plant material
(although counterintuitively) and shields the new growth from freezing. Protection during this time is crucial because the
freezing temperatures could kill the vine or destroy its ability to produce. So, in order to make the best wines, from
the best grapes, from the best growers, we must pay special
attention to our water usage and frost protection.
Back in 2009, when the first discussions around limiting frost
water usage in Sonoma County occurred, John Dyson quickly
got involved and put together a team of experts to look at all
facets of the discussion. In order to better adhere to the coming
regulations, he conducted an economic impact study and began
working with a team of local growers and vintners to develop
frost water monitoring systems and reporting. In 2014, the final
court decision (regarding water usage) came down and the
monitoring and reporting structure that John and the team
recommended is in the process of being adopted.
Conservation and sustainable practices are part of the core
values of the winery and our business. You may have noticed
that in your fall 2014 shipment we switched to pulp packaging instead of using Styrofoam. After extensive testing, we
determined that there was no temperature variance between the new pulp and Styrofoam packaging. Additionally, the
new packaging also maintains label integrity during shipping. We were grateful to finally have a product that adequately
protects the wine and is environmentally friendly.
Old vine stakes upcycled into a fence
Continued on back
7227 Westside Road, Healdsburg, CA 95448 T 707.433.6425 F 707.431.4862
www.williamsselyem.com
contact@williamsselyem.com
Continued from page 1
Important
Dates
MARCH 8
Close of Release
MARCH 30
Shipping Begins
(weather permitting)
APRIL 17 - 19
Pickup Weekend Event at
Williams Selyem Estate Winery
APRIL 20 - MAY 3
Pickups by appointment at
Williams Selyem Estate Winery
(unclaimed wine will be
shipped on May 5)
APRIL 24 - 26
Pickup Weekend Event
at Millbrook Winery in NY
CONTACT US
www.williamsselyem.com
contact@williamsselyem.com
Phone: 707-433-6425
Fax: 707-431-4862
If you’ve visited the winery, you may have seen some of our other
sustainable practices in action. One of our first building challenges was
determining how to construct a large winery without disturbing the
natural beauty of the location. There are a number of large rock
formations and dozens of live oaks around the property that needed to be
protected. We employed some intricate building methods to safely
construct/situate the winery in between two 300-year-old live oaks. Our
loading dock literally curves around one of them. The main production
wine cellar is built into the hillside and sits 18 feet underground to help
insulate the building and maintain cool temperatures.
We also have solar hot water panels and solar photovoltaic panels for
electricity on our roofs. Our green roof, featuring native California
grasses, is drought tolerant. We also participate in the Fish Friendly
Farming Environmental Certification Program, which is run by the
California Land Stewardship Institute, a non-profit organization located in
Napa County.
We encourage active list members to visit us at the Estate winery and to
share our wines and the Williams Selyem Tasting Salon experience with
friends and family. We are currently featuring a selection of WS wines
only available through the Tasting Salon, including the 2012 Block 10
Mass Selection Estate Vineyard Pinot Noir and the 2012 Luella’s Garden
Estate Vineyard Pinot Noir. Both wines come from the Williams Selyem
Estate from blocks only a few feet apart but represent how site, soil, clone
and winemaking practices can create two dramatically different wines. At
select times, list members also have the opportunity to sample rare wines
from our library collection.
We conduct daily, private seated tastings and tours by appointment and
recommend scheduling an appointment at least two weeks in advance to
ensure we have availability. Please email tours@williamsselyem.com to
reserve an appointment or for additional information.
This year, we were excited to celebrate a different type of sustainability:
Kammie Hilleary, our Warehouse Manager, had her fifteen year
anniversary! She started at Williams Selyem back in 1999 and has been
going strong ever
since. She does some
of the most
back-breaking work at
the winery and always
does it with a smile
and a kind word.
Congratulations on
fifteen amazing years
Kammie!
Continued on page 5
Kammie Hilleary and Rich Eliason
Elegant
PINOT NOIR
2013 Central Coast Pinot Noir
CENTRAL COAST
$39
13.5% ALC.
This vintage exudes flavors of plum and black raspberry, and hints of
baking spices combine with anise and musky elements to comprise a
classic Central Coast Pinot Noir. The floral side of Tellicherry peppercorn and notes of lavender offer a wonderful counterpoint to the dark
fruit components. The bright acidity peaks in the middle of the palate
and finishes with firm but dusty, coffee-like tannins. The signature
mineral, chalky feel of this offering is seamlessly woven into the
architecture, providing excellent texture.
2013 Sonoma County Pinot Noir
SONOMA COUNTY
$39
13.7% ALC.
The nose leads with raspberry and fresh mountain strawberry notes
followed by a wonderful stone fruit lift. The aromas transition into
darker elements of bitter cherry, Carnauba wax, and mocha. Notes of
smoky herbs, cinnamon, and black tea are framed with well integrated
acid and tannin. The Sonoma County Pinot Noir will offer early
enjoyment with its soft and supple mouthfeel and texture.
Medium-Bodied
2013 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
$52
14.0% ALC.
The bright, vivid color of the 2013 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
suggests brightness through and through. Red cherry and violets
intermix with notes of cinnamon stick, Rooibos tea, and earthen
pottery. Red fruits and spice continue on the palate. Laser-like
acidity through the middle is balanced with the overall thickness of
this wine and gives it a round, polished feel. Allow this wine to
blossom in the glass or age for three to five years before enjoying, if
you have the patience. This is a classic Russian River Valley Pinot
Noir in the making.
2013 Terra de Promissio Vineyard
Pinot Noir
SONOMA COAST
$58
14.2% ALC.
This is our third vintage of Terra de Promissio and it continues to be a
high performing site. The nose leads with star anise and wet earth, but
quickly gives way to cherry pit, blood orange, and grenadine. A touch
of purple flowers shows off the lighter side of this dark and brooding
wine. In the mouth, it dazzles as potpourri spices intermingle with
black cherry and cherry pit flavors. There is a centered quality to this
wine, with a perfect balance of acid and tannins. The medium tannic
structure seems almost dusty but possesses a refreshing citrus feel,
reminiscent of single origin Brazilian coffee. The wine lingers on the
palate with great tenacity and a tangy finish.
Full -Bodied
2013 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
SONOMA COAST
$52
13.9% ALC.
Bing cherry and notes of dried cranberry pop in the glass, while
underlying notes of wild herbs help balance the profile. Plums and
spice round out the aromatics of this Sonoma Coast blend. Bright
acidity, with a mandarin orange essence, give way to dark chocolate
and a firm black tea finish that is accentuated by hints of toasted
almond. With the early and long growing season of 2013, the coastal
wines faired very well and benefited from excellent tannin development. As is typical of the Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir blend, patience is
required to achieve full integration.
2013 Westside Road Neighbors
Pinot Noir
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
$69
13.7% ALC.
Highly expressive on the nose, the 2013 Westside Road Neighbors is
a knockout wine, as usual. The gamut of red fruits from cranberry,
strawberry, and Montgomery cherry highlight the aromatic
fireworks of this wine. The red fruits are complemented by dried
citrus peel and blood orange juice. Crushed rocks and minerals
permeate the aromas and flavors. The palate echoes the aromatic
profile with additional elements of earthy tea and wet terra cotta.
Dry, dusty tannins open with aeration and coat the entire palate,
while the brilliant acidity provides a lingering finish. This wine will
age effortlessly for up to a decade and possibly longer.
2013 Olivet Lane Vineyard Pinot Noir
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
$75
14.1% ALC.
The 2013 Olivet Lane Vineyard Pinot Noir is very perfumed and
brims with red fruits from the darker end of the spectrum. Looking
back, the tasting notes from last year are remarkably similar, which
shows the consistency of this 42-year-old vineyard. Aromas of fresh,
red roses are interlaced with savory notes of wet earth and celery
seed. The acidity is lively throughout the length of the palate and
hints of grapefruit pith accent the texture. The acidity seems to carry
the red fruit into the mid-palate and finishes with an excellent lift.
Enjoy this wine with richer preparations, such as dry-aged filet or
lamb shoulder.
CHARDONNAY
2013 Unoaked Chardonnay
$39
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
$58
2013 Heintz Vineyard Chardonnay
14.7% ALC.
The classic Goldridge soil found on the Heintz Ranch is immediately
apparent as the wine opens on the nose. Elements of dusty, mineralrich soil with an almost talcum powder-like quality come to the
forefront. These soil-inflected notes give way to flavors characteristic
of the site, such as fresh pineapple juice and ripe fejoia fruit. White
flowers and crème brûlée add complexity to this exciting offering.
The palate exhibits tropical fruit, ripe melon, and Gravenstein apple.
Dusty minerals round out the wine with a clean finish of pear skin,
which gives excellent length. 2013 was a tremendously successful
growing season for the Heintz Ranch.
2013 Olivet Lane Vineyard Chardonnay
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
on the 2013 vintage
13.2% ALC.
Sourced from multiple sites within the Russian River Valley, the
Unoaked Chardonnay always offers a multitude of flavors and
aromas. Notes of muskmelon and yellow apple are layered with the
aroma of smoky tea. The rich profile almost seems electric on the
palate. The quince-like tannic structure and minerality are signature
components in this wonderfully expressive Chardonnay. With its
refreshing acidity and full-bodied texture, this wine would be the
perfect accompaniment to sushi or Dungeness crab dishes.
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
A Note
$58
14.8% ALC.
The Olivet Lane Vineyeard Chardonnay is always typified by a
brightness that shines through both on the nose and palate. Notes of
green apple, yellow apple, ripe pear, and quince are married with
Tahitian vanilla bean and wood spices. Layered underneath the fruit
aromas lie complex elements of shiso leaf and jasmine pearl green tea.
The flavors echoed in the aromatic profile are brought together by a
fine, linear acidity. The wine finishes with a wonderfully piquant
flavor and mineral-like mouthfeel.
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
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 extremely
pure and polished tannins and the acidity will provide
longevity, but the supple structure also offers earlier
enjoyment.
My comments on the individual wines are nearby.
-- Jeff Mangahas, Winemaker
GEWÜRZTRAMINER
ZINFANDEL
2013 Vista Verde Vineyard Late Harvest
Gewürztraminer
$40/375 ml
2013 Papera Vineyard Zinfandel
SAN BENITO COUNTY
The profile of the Papera Vineyard Zinfandel boasts of heavy black
fruits and offers an explosion of aromas and flavors. Intense notes
of baking spices, India ink, and coffee intermingle with boysenberry, blackberry, peach and nectarine on the nose. Though this wine
is comprised of rich flavors, it somehow remains light in weight
thanks to hints of violets and purple flowers, and refreshing acidity.
Notes of blackberry cobbler and cocoa nib cling to the palate of
this classic old-vine Zinfandel.
8.7% ALC.
19.2% RESIDUAL SUGAR
Classic Gewürztraminer aromas of rose oil and lychee permeate the
glass. Underneath these high notes lie elements of yellow apple,
muskmelon, and ripe Comice pear. The floral qualities of gardenia
give way to powdery, crushed rock notes — typical of the Vista
Verde Vineyard. The wine’s sweetness is extremely well-balanced
thanks to the acidity, which makes this wine light and graceful. A
hint of sweet nutmeg and vanilla on the finish round out this
delicious offering.
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
$55
14.8% ALC.
Continued from page 2
Along the topic of sustainability, life as we know it at Williams Selyem would not
be possible without the support of our loyal list members. Don Kiick represents
one of our longest-standing list members and holds the honor of being List
Member #5. It’s a pleasure to take a moment to recognize his involvement over
the years.
Don began helping out at the original winery, a 2-car garage on River Road.
Then, when Howard Allen told Ed and Burt that they shouldn’t work out of the
garage and built the facilities on his property, Don moved there along with the
rest of the WS team. Don worked at the winery from the mid-80s until 2005.
Today, Don continues to support the brand and winery, and is a regular
participant at our bi-annual pickup weekend events. We can always count on
Don to arrive early and ready
to work. He is usually
Don Kiick
recognizable to our guests, as
often he is decked out in his San Francisco Giants gear. Go Giants!
It’s thanks to Don and a small group of other long-term list
members that Williams Selyem has such a rich and lasting history.
And, thank you to all of our list members for sharing your passion
for Williams Selyem!
In other news...
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We purchased another vineyard in 2014. The Eastside Estate Vineyard, as it is currently called, is another Russian River
Valley Estate Vineyard that we are delighted to add to our family. This vineyard is only a stone’s throw from the
vineyards on Eastside Road where we already source grapes from Foss, Calegari, Lone Oak and Hunt-Ryde. We first
came to know the vineyard (formerly named 3 Starrs Vineyard) by
purchasing
a few tons of Chardonnay grapes, which
RUSSIAN
RIVER
were used in the 2013 Unoaked Chardonnay. It’s planted to both Pinot Noir and Chardonnay and we have already
HEALDSBURG
started replanting some of the older blocks. With its proven quality
and ideal location, it was the perfect fit. We look
forward to sharing the first wines from this property with you in 2016.
WE
Russian River Valley Vineyards
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Foss Vineyard
Lone Oak Vineyard
Hunt-Ryde Vineyard
Eastside Estate Vineyard
STATE HWY 116
BARNES RD
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Calegari Vineyard
POCKET CAN
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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 March 8. You do not need to include payment for wish list
wines; we will charge or invoice your account later if the request is filled.
•
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
•
Order confirmations will be sent via email. Please verify your address!
•
Faxed or mailed orders submitted without written payment will not be filled; phone and email orders
are not accepted.
Shipping
•
Orders will begin shipping on March 30, weather permitting.
•
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.
•
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
•
•
•
•
•
If you intend to pick up your wine at Williams Selyem Winery, select the “CA Pickup” option on your order.
Our Spring 2015 Pickup Weekend will be Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, April 17- 19, 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 April 20 - May 3 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, May 3 will be shipped at the customer’s expense to the billing address
listed on the order on Tuesday, May 5.
If you would like All Ways Cool (707) 545-7450 or 55 Degrees (707) 963-5513, 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
•
•
•
If you intend to pick up your wine at Millbrook Winery, select the “NY Pickup” option on your order.
The Spring 2015 Pickup Weekend at Millbrook Winery will be Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, April 24 - 26.
Daily winery pickups are available April 27 through May 31 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.