1998 Williams Selyem “Rochioli River Block”

Last night everyone got together at Paul and Carol’s house to watch the last of the 2008 Presidential debates, and of course drink some good wine. The 1998 vintage of Williams Selyem was the first from winemaker Bob Cabral who is still making the wine for Williams Slyem today. Imagine the pressure he must have felt taking over as wine maker for a winery that already had a very strong cult following. Williams Selyem is one of the most sought after age worthy Pinot’s in all of America, and this wine was proof positive of it’s staying power, and it’s great following. Bob Cabral has a very minimal interference mindset with the fruit. He does not use pumping or filtering or any technology in the winemaking process to save time or that would compromise the quality of the final product. Bob say’s “The key to winemaking is to respect the vineyard and respect the fruit”.

Wine Details:

Winery:  Williams Selyem

Vintage: 1998

Appelation: Russian River Valley CA, Rochioli River Block Vineyard

Notes: 464 cases made. The wine was cellar aged in a temperature controlled environment. the neck- fill was high. The bottle was in perfect condition.

Beautiful ruby red color with no real brown edges. On the nose, Nice mineral component, crushed rocks, smoked bacon, black tar, pencil lead, green bell pepper, dark cherries, and cranberries with a very slight hint of oak. On the palate the mouthfeel is round and smooth. The tannins are soft and integrated. The fruit, and acidity are still bright and very elegant and refreshing with a lengthy finish.

Rating: 96 JH