Williams Selyem
Saitone Estate Vineyard Zinfandel
Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California, USA
Dark plum, boysenberry, clove, black pepper.
Dark plum, boysenberry, clove, black pepper.
Nov 23rd, 2025
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.
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.
The age of the vines comes through in the glass.
The age of the vines comes through in the glass.
May 31st, 2025
Excellent, not too hot and went great w turkey.
Excellent, not too hot and went great w turkey.
Dec 27th, 2022
15% ABV Red, black & blue fruits, pepper.
15% ABV Red, black & blue fruits, pepper.
Jan 23rd, 202214.8% ABV Dark concentrated color, dark fruit, little bit of pepper, legs, some bottle sediment. Nice wine.
14.8% ABV Dark concentrated color, dark fruit, little bit of pepper, legs, some bottle sediment. Nice wine.
Jan 8th, 2022
This is exactly what I was wanting this evening. Old vines are wonderful. This is a Zin that’s not overly jammy. 14.8% alc. but you would never know it. Mixed herbs on the nose. This one bursts with red fruit. High acidity helps lean this towards the lighter side. Wish I had more.
This is exactly what I was wanting this evening. Old vines are wonderful. This is a Zin that’s not overly jammy. 14.8% alc. but you would never know it. Mixed herbs on the nose. This one bursts with red fruit. High acidity helps lean this towards the lighter side. Wish I had more.
Dec 10th, 2020Enjoyed this during the Williams Selyem 2020 live video Fall preview. I have never met a WS I didn’t like. Enjoying what I currently have, and looking forward to the Fall release.
Enjoyed this during the Williams Selyem 2020 live video Fall preview. I have never met a WS I didn’t like. Enjoying what I currently have, and looking forward to the Fall release.
Jul 17th, 2020
This is actually Saitone Estate but could not find. 1898 vines and only 150 cases. Zinc made in a Pinot style - nice plum and spice
This is actually Saitone Estate but could not find. 1898 vines and only 150 cases. Zinc made in a Pinot style - nice plum and spice
Oct 10th, 2019