Williams Selyem Winery

Williams Selyem needs no introduction. Yorkville Highlands, on the other hand, is probably the most off-beat fruit source in the great pantheon of Pinot Noir that Williams Selyem produces. The Weir Vineyard is about a dozen miles from the Pacific Coast in a hilly upland area where the vineyards range from 900 to nearly 2000 feet of elevation. Weir is just below 1000 feet, so it’s warmer and less windy than most other vineyard microclimates in Yorkville Highlands, which means thin-skinned Pinot can get ripe in most years.

This baby got ripe, with a full load of black cherry aromas to carry all the deep, rich earth and masculine, muscular quality of site. All these qualities go into the flavors as well, making for a wine that is suave, dark, tremendously warming and expansive on the palate. I was really intrigued with all the savory and dry herb dimensions past the midpalate and into the finish – perhaps a result of the hot weather late in the season. The texture is like raw silk, and the wine is drinking well now. It is not one of the most sought-after Williams Selyem wines, so you may be able to get it – and I recommend doing so if you can.

Note: This wine was also selected by our panel of winemakers as a Yorkville Highlands “Appellation Signature” wine in the Appellation Discovery Tasting conducted in April/06.

Reviewed August 6, 2006 by Thom Elkjer.

Other Awards & Accolades

AppellationAmerica - "Appellation Signature" selection

Smells black and spicy, then brings raspberry, strawberry and more spice in your mouth, integrates it with elegant oak, and finishes it with a sweet fruit kiss. Well made wine. (Yorkville Highlands Discovery Tasting: April 11, 2006)