Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.4

I have posted notes on many Williams Selyem Pinots, but only my second from their Calegari Vineyard.

I have claimed tirelessly that WS is one of the very top Ca Pinots Noir producers. However, they aren’t until they have this kind of age and older. When enjoyed young, they are good but not brilliant. Like now! It takes cellaring to get there.

I haven’t tasted any of the vintages since Domaine Faiveley bought and took over and started making them in June 2024. Although, they carried forward some of the WS staff as consultants. My hope is they won’t change the style drastically. They are a red burgundy producer and I enjoy their burgundies with the same age. So…🤞

2011 was critically acclaimed not good for Cabernets, but think they flushed out better with age than young. Pinots from 2011, for me, have never been an issue.

The nose is; dark to mid berry fruits, brambly, tree sap, grilled meats- pork, hint of smoke, moist herbs, cola & dark to red excellent florals.

The palate is ripe, lush, brambly dark fruits. There is a dark core of them surrounded by dry twig, dark chocolate & mocha powder. There is some velvety tannin profile here. Blackberries, black raspberries, black plum to pudding, black cherries, poached to slightly baked strawberries with pomegranate, blueberry hues with haunting raspberries. Shades of eucalyptus, tree sap, smoke, grilled meats, clove, nutmeg, cinnamon & vanillin, dark mid spices w/ some heat, anise crawling to black licorice, mid berry cola, warm, muddy, grey clay, limestone marl, volcanics, dry river stone, dry, crush rocks, dry top soil, tumble weed, dry tobacco w/ ash, soft, used leather, just a hint of lead pencil, iron pan, fresh to withering; dark, red, blue florals with violets and a touch of lavender, excellent, rainfall acidity with a well; knitted, made, balanced, nicely tensioned/structured, elegantly, perfectly polished finish that lasts ninety seconds to two-minutes landing on spice, clays and beautiful earthy minerals. — a day 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. — 2 months ago

Steve Mitchell

9.3

What not to like about a W&S Pinot? Paired well with fresh Dungeness crab cakes and a salad. — a day ago

Steve Mitchell

9.4

Fresh salmon, pasta and a spinach salad. Life is good with this WS Pinot! — 15 days ago

Steve Mitchell

9.4

Well this was nice. Paired well with crab and shrimp risotto and a salad. — 22 days ago

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. — 2 months ago

Bill Mowry

9.3

Red fruits and light cocoa with floral nose. Very subtle and well balanced. Best California Pinot I’ve had in a while. Paired well with Christmas turkey. — 25 days ago

with Cristian, Amelia and 2 others

Scott E. Becker

9.3

[Tasted on December 31, 2025 at Iggy’s in Nashville with Jay]

Dark raspberry fruit with underbrush, cola and spice. Creamy, aromatic wine. — 23 days ago

Norman

9.0

This one read thin to me. It’s been better. — a month ago

Brian S

9.0

Dried flowers, red currant, cranberry, cherry, minerals — 2 months ago