Williams Selyem
California’s leading Pinot Noir producer — a small Russian River Valley estate with deeply allocated single-vineyard Pinots and Chardonnays.
About Williams
Williams Selyem was founded in 1981 by Burt Williams and Ed Selyem in a garage in Sonoma County — producing what became some of the most influential American Pinot Noir of the late 20th century. The original founders sold to John Dyson in 1998, and the estate moved to a dedicated facility, but the editorial vision (small-lot, single-vineyard, Burgundy-inspired Pinot Noir winemaking) has continued. The current estate produces 25+ different bottlings annually across Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from named single vineyards — Olivet Lane, Rochioli Riverblock, Hirsch, Foss, Coastlands, and many others. Allocation is restrictive (active mailing list with multi-year wait times); the wines are widely considered the American reference for serious Pinot Noir. Stylistically the wines are more aromatic and silky than the more structured Burgundian style, with vibrant acidity and the cool Russian River climate showing through.
Flagship wines
- Williams Selyem Olivet Lane Vineyard Pinot Noir
- Williams Selyem Rochioli Riverblock Pinot Noir
- Williams Selyem Hirsch Vineyard Pinot Noir
- Williams Selyem Allen Vineyard Chardonnay
Editorial notes
Allocation via the mailing list is challenging — there is a multi-year wait for new customers. The wines drink well early (3-5 years from release) but can age 10-15+ years from strong vintages.