Fall 2016 Release

If You Plant It, It Will Grow
Fall 2016 Release
It’s been said that if you can grow tomatoes you can grow grapes. Williams Selyem owner John
Dyson began his career in agriculture doing just that. Here is the story, as told by John:
“When I was little, about 6, my grandfather Lewis MacGregor, who was my mother’s
father, started me growing tomatoes in our front yard in suburban New York. We
planted six red and six yellow. It was unusual to do such a thing in this neighborhood,
where even crab grass in one’s front yard was deemed unacceptable.
My interest in agriculture came from our time together in the tomato patch. My
grandfather was an immigrant who was trained in farming and farm accounting as a boy
in the Scottish Highlands.
This picture, taken by my mother, shows me watering the tomatoes in our first year of
planting. I have grown tomatoes from seed for over 65 years. This is something I
now share with my own grandchildren. If you get a chance, try it.”
Little did John know that this small scale farming project would send him down an amazing
ag-focused path that would become a central theme in his life.
After John graduated from high school, he went on to study Agronomy, Soil Science and Plant Pathology at Cornell's
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. During his days at Cornell, John bought a jug of wine to impress a date at a
party his fraternity was hosting. That small gesture gave him the idea to audit a wine course at Cornell’s famed Hotel
School. This really kick-started John’s love for viticulture!
Ground to Glass
John’s first business venture in wine and viticulture began in 1979 in his
hometown of Millbrook, New York, where he began converting an old
dairy barn into Millbrook Vineyards and Winery. He initiated viticultural
experiments using several varieties, rootstocks and trellising techniques,
and proved that world-class vinifera wines could be produced in the
Hudson River Valley. Millbrook’s first commercial vintage was produced
Millbrook Vineyard & Winery
in 1985, and this year marks the 31st vintage of award-winning wines
produced on this special site in the Hudson Valley. On this beautiful property, only 90 miles from New York City,
growing conditions are conducive to producing exceptional varietals, including Tocai Friulano, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir,
Cabernet Franc and Riesling.
Then, in 1989, John’s interest in wine took him and his wife Kathe to Italy, where they purchased Villa Pillo, a traditional
Tuscan farm founded in Medieval times. On this property, which is located in the heart of the Chianti area, many
examples of Italian wine are produced. Varietals include: Sangiovese, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Syrah. You will also
find several different varieties of olive trees at Villa Pillo, such as Leccino, Frantoio, and Pendolino. The oil is cold pressed
and left unfiltered to maximize the delicate flavor of ripe olives.
“Smart” Ideas
Because of John’s innovative and experimental nature, he is often working on a number of interesting ag-related projects.
For instance, he co-created a vineyard trellising system with Dr. Richard Smart, called the Smart-Dyson (S-D). The
Smart-Dyson looks like an arbor tilted on end. It positions a portion of the vine's fruiting canes to fall downward and the
Continued on next page
7227 Westside Road, Healdsburg, CA 95448 T 707.433.6425 F 707.431.4862
www.williamsselyem.com
[email protected]
Continued from page 1
rest go up. This widely used system has been heralded by many in the
industry as one that achieves balance between foliage growth and
maximum premium wine production.
Currently, John is conducting a rootstock trial at our Williams Selyem
Estate Vineyard. This project is aimed at helping develop pest resistant
rootstocks for Professor Andy Walker at UC Davis. He has also formed
a partnership with the UC Davis Foundation Plant Services
department, which seeks to grow virus-free grape clones in an
experimental nursery at our Vista Verde Vineyard on the Central Coast.
He is also keen on planting grape varieties that are rather obscure in the US. The concept of making something unusual,
resulted in the production of a small quantity of Chenin Blanc (currently available only at the winery in very small
quantities, contact us for more information about this special wine). We also have an estate-grown Grüner Veltliner
coming down the pipeline, so stay tuned!
A Steward of the Land
When John purchased Williams Selyem in 1998 he knew that to continue the legacy started by Burt and Ed he would
have to change very little, especially regarding the winemaking style. In fact, 18 years later we still make wine the exact
same way that Burt did, right down to the old dairy tanks used for fermentation. However, there was an untapped area
of the business that he knew he could impact. Burt and Ed certainly exceled at grower relations, but based on his
experience, John and the team agreed Williams Selyem would thrive by owning and farming our own vineyards.
In 1998, the first Williams Selyem Estate Vineyard, Drake Estate near Guerneville, CA, was purchased. Named for the
family who homesteaded the ranch, the Drake Estate is located on the Russian River and has the same soil type as other
top vineyards in the Russian River Valley, Yolo silt loam. John says, “I worked diligently with Chris Bowland and his
vineyard management team on this site to select the best clones, rootstocks and spacing to produce vivacious,
quality-driven fruit.” From this vineyard, you will find the 2014 Williams Selyem Drake Estate Chardonnay ($65),
which is a part of the fall release.
In 2001, after three years of negotiations, Kathe and John acquired another choice site in the Russian River Valley, not
far from the Allen Vineyard on Westside Road. It was initially called the “Litton Estate” and is now known as the
Williams Selyem Estate. Look for the 2014 Williams Selyem Estate Vineyard Pinot Noir ($105) in your allocation! Also
produced on this property are two small-production Pinot Noirs, Block 10 Mass Selection ($85), and Luella’s Garden,
($95), which are only available through the tasting salon.
A Living Legacy
In 2014, Williams Selyem had a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to purchase the 3-Starrs
Vineyard. The team was so impressed with five tons of Chardonnay they had purchased
in 2013 from this Eastside Road property that when all 30 acres came up for sale, John
jumped at the chance to add it to the Williams Selyem Estate Vineyard portfolio.
Now named Lewis MacGregor Vineyard, in honor of John Dyson’s grandfather who
first taught him about agriculture by planting tomatoes in their front yard, this
property is destined to produce exemplary fruit for Williams Selyem. New Pinot Noir
clones have been planted to replace some of the Chardonnay vines, which dominated the
acreage. The existing clones of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay have already produced
stellar wines.
This is an exciting new vineyard for the portfolio on prime Russian River land and, like
all our other vineyards, we are committed to farming the vineyard in accordance with
sustainable practices put forth by the Sonoma County Winegrowers. The first wines
from this property will be featured in this fall release—look for the 2014 Lewis
MacGregor Estate Vineyard Pinot Noir ($85) and the 2014 Lewis MacGregor Estate Vineyard Chardonnay ($65) in
your allocation.
Owner John Dyson tending to
the vines at the Lewis MacGregor
Estate Vineyard, June 2016
Elegant
PINOT NOIR
2014 Bucher Vineyard Pinot Noir
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
Medium-Bodied
$59
13.8% ALC.
A beautiful nose of black raspberry and dried strawberry are
immediately apparent. The inherent dried meat and grilled herb
qualities, including clove and allspice, take a secondary role in this
wonderful offering from Bucher Vineyard. The front of the palate is
saturated with raspberry and cherry, which provide a roundness on
the tongue. Hints of saddle leather emerge on the mid-palate, with a
wonderful surprising lift of citrus at the conclusion.
2014 Allen Vineyard Pinot Noir
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
$82
14.1% ALC.
Alpine strawberry and black cherry aromas are accompanied by an
intriguing appearance of pencil shavings. Dried thyme, vanilla, and
nutmeg add a high-toned texture to the bouquet. The palate shines
with a perfect acid profile and sense of minerality and stoniness that
add to the texture of the palate. Allen Vineyard Pinot Noir is the
perfect balance of elegance and power.
2014 Burt Williams’ Morning Dew Ranch
Vineyard Pinot Noir
$82
ANDERSON VALLEY
13.2% ALC.
Notes of blueberry, black cherry, and a hint of blackberry intermix
with elements of pennyroyal and shoyu. Red cherry, cinnamon, and
orange peel flavors melt into the medium-bodied tannins. There is a
lovely finish comprised of tangerine peel, walnut, and cocoa nib flavors.
2014 Precious Mountain Vineyard
Pinot Noir
SONOMA COAST
$95
13.9% ALC.
Dark cherry mixes with plum sauce, caraway seed, and grilled herb
aromas in this blockbuster offering of Precious Mountain Vineyard
Pinot Noir. Dried flowers and a smoky tea-like component add
fascinating complexities. The tannins are omnipresent across the
palate, but are extremely well-balanced. Beautifully integrated acidity
and minerality will allow for a graceful aging curve.
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
2014 Vista Verde Vineyard Pinot Noir
SAN BENITO COUNTY
14.9% ALC.
Scents of brambly black raspberry, along with hints of mocha and
allspice, combine with a subtle hint of pepper. Fresh fruit bowl
aromas and a touch of apricot add unique twist to this beautiful
old-vine offering. The purity of Zinfandel really shines through in
the mouth, showing the complex gamut of berry flavors mixed with
anise and cocoa dust on the finish. This cool climate Zinfandel
offers a brightness that is unparalleled.
14.1% ALC.
$58
13.4% ALC.
Plum and black cherry lead the aromatic profile in another exciting
offering from Vista Verde Vineyard. Notes of tangerine skin meld with
Amarena cherry aromas and refreshing scents of cedar and rhubarb.
The chalky, mineral complexion of the wine shows through the entire
palate and provides a weight that typifies this site. Focused and
refreshing, the 2014 Vista Verde Pinot Noir is a wonderful match to
veal Milanese.
2014 Weir Vineyard Pinot Noir
YORKVILLE HIGHLANDS
$58
13.7% ALC.
Mountain strawberry, cedar, and cocoa nibs are coaxed from the glass
with aeration. Aromatics of fresh rose, crushed rocks, and quartz add
to the allure. The palate leads with dried strawberry and cinnamon,
and melds into medium-bodied tannins with a mineral finish. The
Weir Vineyard Pinot Noir is shy when young and requires patience to
fully age.
2014 Ferrington Vineyard Pinot Noir
ANDERSON VALLEY
$65
13.4% ALC.
Bright red fruits jump from the glass and mingle with black walnut
and musky herbs aromas. Roses and lavender add to the rather
complex and appealing nose. There is a brightness to the palate that is
highlighted by mandarin orange peel with a notes of black tea on the
finish. The tannin structure is fine-grained and will benefit from
moderate aging.
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
$58
$58
Bright red fruits and blood orange peel jump from the glass in this
outstanding effort from Calegari Vineyard. A bouquet of lavender
and rose intermingle with savory elements of fennel and thyme to
complete the aromatic profile. Start to finish on the palate, the wine
completely coats the tongue with flavors of red cherry, cranberry, and
citrus peel. The acidity conveys a sense of liveliness and focus while
remaining graceful on the palate. On the finish, there are subtle hints
of Orange Pekoe tea.
2014 Rochioli Riverblock Pinot Noir
ZINFANDEL
2014 Bacigalupi Vineyard Zinfandel
2014 Calegari Vineyard Pinot Noir
$82
13.8% ALC.
Dark and brooding in nature, the 2014 Rochioli Riverblock showcases
deep cherry notes with elements of Christmas cake spices on the nose.
Brazilian coffee and allspice add to the unparalleled aromatic profile.
Expansive in the mouth, the flavors explode with black raspberry and
black cherry. Seamless acidity combines with the plush tannins to
create an ethereal texture.
Full -Bodied
Full -Bodied
2014 Eastside Road Neighbors
Pinot Noir
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
$55
13.7% ALC.
Brooding in its aromatic profile, this wine exudes black cherry and
black raspberry aromas, along with hints of rose petals, lavender
fused with clove, anise, and allspice. The palate is saturated with black
cherry and has a very broad, loamy, earth-driven sensibility. A subtle
sensation of stoniness in the mid-palate melds into a refreshing
tea-like finish. The tannins are plentiful but have a polish that will
please many different palates and suit a vast array of cuisines.
2014 Foss Vineyard Pinot Noir
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
$75
13.3% ALC.
On the nose, black cherry and sous bois, a French term meaning
‘forest floor’, mingle with notes of cinnamon, cedar, and pipe
tobacco. Black cherry juice and creamy strawberry flavors, along with
a hint of faded rose, lighten up the palate. The superb resolution of
tannin makes this full-bodied wine seem almost weightless in the
mouth, while flavors reminiscent of Christmas cake spices, and
candied orange peel linger on the elegant finish.
2014 Hirsch Vineyard Pinot Noir
$82
14.1% ALC.
Black cherry and rosemary take center stage in this elegant offering
from the Hirsch Vineyard. Dried rose petals are counterbalanced by
a hint of coffee bean, wood spices, and English breakfast tea essences.
Very round at the start, the elegant tannins persist across the palate,
as is typical of Hirsch. Buffered by dark cherry flavors, citrus, and
minerals, there is a wonderful sense of harmony in this wine.
2014 Lewis MacGregor Estate Vineyard
Pinot Noir
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
13.6% ALC.
The 2014 vintage of our Williams Selyem Estate Vineyard Pinot Noir
is a showstopper. An explosive nose of black cherry and citrus mix
with subtle elements of crushed rock and wood spices. Deeply
saturated, with a wide array of aromas, this wine offers allure and
intrigue. In the mouth, the profile leads with beautiful red fruits
which carry all the way through the palate. This wine is full-bodied
and opulent with refreshing acidity that carries the elegant,
fine-grained tannins all the way through the long finish.
13.5% ALC.
2014 Coastlands Vineyard Pinot Noir
SONOMA COAST
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
$105
$58
The 2014 vintage from Foss Vineyard is perhaps the most compelling
thus far, exhibiting the classical black cherry, blackberry, and
Rooibos tea notes. Elements of Chinese five-spice and a touch of
tarragon add complexity to the elegant nose. Completely seamless on
the palate, the acid and the tannins have a gossamer-like texture that
clings to the tongue. On the finish, flavors of sarsaparilla root,
chocolate, and hazelnut skin complete the supple palate.
SONOMA COAST
2014 Williams Selyem Estate Vineyard
Pinot Noir
CHARDONNAY
2014 Allen Vineyard Chardonnay
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
Gravenstein apple, pear skin, and smoky tea-like aromas, accompanied by notes of Tahitian vanilla bean, jump from the glass. A
bouquet of cardamom, tangerine, and yuzu add a refreshing lift to the
nose. Similarly, the palate is focused with flavors of yellow apple,
poached pear, and citrus peel, joined by hints of minerals, giving the
palate a unique dimension. The tannins are completely sublime,
adding weight in the mid-palate before the floral lift on the finish.
2014 Drake Estate Vineyard Chardonnay $65
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
13.7% ALC.
The inaugural offering of the Williams Selyem Lewis MacGregor
Estate Pinot Noir is a knockout! The brilliant, red color is
mesmerizing. Black cherry and black raspberry notes are
complemented by essences of dried thyme, musky herbs with a touch
of citrus rind, cedar and clove. In the mouth, black cherry skin and
cherry pit flavors are complemented by dense, but elegant tannins.
Crushed quartz and bittersweet chocolate round out a powerful yet
elegant first offering.
14.4% ALC.
In the glass, an alluring yellow hue with a green glint summons the
senses. At first nosing, the Williams Selyem Drake Estate Vineyard
Chardonnay immediately showcases the minerality of the vineyard
site in Guerneville. Star fruit, yellow apple, pear skin, and quince are
perfectly complemented by subtle notes of nutmeg and cardamom. In
the mouth, there is an eruption of pear and Meyer lemon skin that are
accompanied by a juicy acidity that seems to cleanse the palate.
2014 Lewis MacGregor Estate Vineyard
Chardonnay
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
$85
$58
14.7% ALC.
$65
14.6% ALC.
The inaugural offering of the Williams Selyem Lewis MacGregor
Estate Vineyard Chardonnay is nothing short of outstanding. The
wine leads with an explosive nose of yellow apple and gardenias, then
melds into aromas of poached pear tart. Vanilla, nutmeg, and allspice
further compound the nose. Underneath the primary fruits is a
secondary note of graphite, typical of old Wente clone Chardonnay.
In the mouth, the palate is saturated with lemon oil, white flowers,
and waxy fruits. The focused acidity seamlessly integrates with the
tremendous weight, and finishes with hazelnut and crushed granite.
2014 Vintage notes
Continuing the string of great vintages, 2014 completes the trifecta of extremely high quality growing seasons. The 2014s exhibit a
great purity of place, with generous fruit and elegant textures. The
2014 growing season started out as one of the driest winters on
record with only 40% of normal rainfall by mid-season. Due to
the extremely dry conditions over the winter months, many of the
vineyards were irrigated in December and January to ensure the
vines had enough moisture, effectively mimicking winter rainfall.
Important
Dates
SEPTEMBER 4
Close of Release
It was another early bud break season; almost 14 days earlier than
“normal.” When rain in early April finally appeared it helped
replenish the soil’s moisture profile to re-invigorate the plants and
boost growth. May brought flowering, as expected, and fruit set
was bountiful overall for a third straight year. The harvest season
OCTOBER 31
Shipping Begins
(weather permitting)
was near perfect with warm temperatures, which allowed for a
leisurely picking schedule. 2014 was a wonderful growing season
OCTOBER 21-23
that has yielded another fine set of wines that speak of place. In
Pickup Weekend Event at
Williams Selyem Estate Winery
short, 2014 is another superb vintage of compelling nature and
should allow for long-range cellaring for those to choose to age
their wines for 7- 10 years. However, you may certainly open your
wine sooner if you prefer a more assertive Pinot Noir.
Do you have a special occasion coming up or need an important gift?
Members of Williams Selyem have access to our limited collection of
library wines and large format bottles. Contact the winery for
assistance with making a selection.
OCT 24 - NOV 6
Pickups by appointment at
Williams Selyem Estate Winery
(unclaimed wine will be
shipped on November 7)
NOVEMBER 11-13
Pickup Weekend Event
at Millbrook Winery in NY
CONTACT US
www.williamsselyem.com
[email protected]
Phone: 707-433-6425
Fax: 707-431-4862
Ordering
•
Online ordering is strongly encouraged! To access your allocation, use the customized hyperlink in
the email we’ll send to you on the opening day of the release. Or, sign in via our website using your
user credentials.
•
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 4. 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 October 31, 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 Fall 2016 Pickup Weekend will be Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, October 21-23, 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 24-November 6
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 [email protected]
Orders not picked up by Sunday, November 6 will be shipped at the customer’s expense to the billing
address listed on the order on Monday, November 7.
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
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•
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If you intend to pick up your wine at Millbrook Winery, select the “NY Pickup” option on your order.
The Fall 2016 Pickup Weekend at Millbrook Winery will be Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, November 11-13.
Daily winery pickups are available November 1 through December 31 between 12:00 PM and 5:00 PM,
no appointment necessary. 26 Wing Road, Millbrook, NY 12545, (845) 662-WINE ext. 21,
[email protected], www.millbrookwine.com.