I had this way back in my cellar. Still tasted wonderful. There was a lot of sediment in this bottle. I might have missed it's prime, but it have great notes of fruit, but a long soft finish.
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No formal notes but everyone loved it including me. pretty heavy, syrupy but beautiful silky fruit. Took about 1/2 hour to open up. Dangerously gulpable. I will buy more when Selyem sends me my yearly release. Had it with butternut squash risotto with a dollop of mascarpone, happy campers all around.
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Maroon in color. 14.8% ABV. Pretty nose of juicy red fruits, plums and black pepper. Medium body with mouth watering acidity. Fresher and less jammy than most Williams Selyem Zins. Raspberry, boysenberry, strawberry and more pepper on the palate. The wine finishes strong with chalky, gritty tannins. Had I tasted this blind I would not have pegged it as a wine made by Bob Cabral. Atypical but exceptional. Absolutely singing tonight. Drink over the next 1-3 years.
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Opaque purple color, but oxidized smelling nose, smooth wine with moderate to low acidity, rich berry fruit on palate, someone cherry type fruit on finish.
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Decanted for approximately one hour before tasting. Tasting well, lots of time left for this wine but still not to early to enjoy. Behind the red and dark fruit were hints of black pepper and tobacco.
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Full body. The fruit has integrated, but is still very pronounced. Flavors of loganberry and blackberry, with a hint of vanilla and leather. The tannins have softened nicely. Drink up!
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Beautiful deep nose of dark fruit and a deep purple Color. Decanted for about 30 minutes with plenty of agitation. Cocktailed this with some friends and brownies which was great together. Sad it is my last of this vintage.
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Just a bit of fruit coming through the alcohol upon opening, but after sitting in the bottle for two hours the alcohol blew off and this started to settle down. Have one more bottle and will give it a minimum of two hours.
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Garnet purple with med-heavy viscosity in the glass. Big nose of stewed prune, red and black fruit and oak. Med-full body with sultry plum, raspberry and spice on the palate. Some heat. Medium finish.
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- Brick color with slow forming legs and aromas of tobacco, bell pepper, prune and fig. It's in total harmony with a full body. Juicy texture with a long finish - Ooooooooo! This is some great juice. For me, this is what Zinfandel is all about. The finish is sooooooooo long, that I'm still tasting it as I write this note!!
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Wonderful pure Zinfandel fruit. I missed the oak and bramble picked up by some. This a less rustic expression of Zinfandel than some others. Medium to full-bodied. Coats the palate but not at all heavy. Cherries, raspberries and a long silky finish.
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A lovely effort, the 2007 Papera Zinfandel is giving a very pinot noir like impression. The nose is actually so pinot like I am quite amazed at first. After opening the bottle the nose displays a cascade of mature strawberries, but also more acidic red currants as well as subtle oak. After an hour or so, a perfect tone of violets emerges. The palate is full-bodied with a pleasant acidity and a long finish. This is a perfectly drinking Zinfandel and it will certainly keep for a few more years, but why wait?
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Don't buy many WS zins but this might make me rethink this strategy. Raspberry and dark fruit, pepper, it's a complex mix but really well integrated, great tannins and easy as can be finish.
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Three hour decant. Blueberries and raspberries galore on the nose, with toffee and spicey bramble. The body is full but lithe for a Zinfandel from this region. Chocolate covered fruits explode on the palate; Raspberry, Blackberry, and Blueberry. Supple transition to a big, long finish without being chewy. Paired beautifully with a grilled NY Strip. I put this up there with Biale and Storybook as some of the best Zin available.
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Deep red colour. Nice nose showing black fruit and a bit of spice. Lots of briary fruit on the palate, little oak (chocolate/vanilla) but that along with a touch of heat, dissipates pretty quickly with some air. Good finish, silky tannins, nice acidity. Good structure but not as much as Ridge, for example. Drinking really well right now with a bit of air, not sure it will evolve any further in the cellar but definitely not fading away too soon either.
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Drank along side a 09 Ridge lytton spring. This one had much more complexity and flavor. Love WS zins. At first, it was a bit closed, but it opened up very quickly. Opened for an hour and poured off a glass. Next time, decant.
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Great nose: fruit forward, stewed plums and jam. Palate very jammy and a bit too sweet for my taste. The CW, however, deemed it "delicious". Medium bodied, round finish.
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May Fete Deck Party 2010: This was delicious and a huge hit. Liquid black raspberry confection with enough acidity to keep it together; perhaps a bit jammy, but I keyed in on a dark chocolate underpinning as well as creamy vanilla topside with the bramble fruit melange on the back end, both of which added interest. It ended on a fine black pepper note that kept the flavors singing, nice and long. I agree with jcvaughan that this is more fruity and less structured than the Carlisle equivalent. 93
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Getting together with friends: Lots of blueberries. I was really worried that this may be over the top for me but it was not. Nice acidity; not very tannic. I liked this a lot and part of me didn't want to like it because for $50 I'd normally rather buy a cab, brunello or CdP. This was a little more fruity and not as structured as the Carlisle Papera that followed it. I would say drink this now and hold the Carlisle for a bit. I'll probably buy this again at the next offering.
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14.8% alcohol. Peppery, spicy nose of jammy black fruit. In the mouth, a jammy edge to the briary fruit. Good acidity and a long, fruity finish. Just a delicious expression. A-
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The nose was loaded with fruit, mainly blueberry and raspberry. Underneath the fruit was a little bramble, pepper, and vanilla. The palate was very rich and slightly sweet. There was raspberry and cherry, and a little spice and bramble. It finished with a big shot of blueberry.
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Long time Williams Selyem Pinot drinker, first time Williams Selyem Zin drinker. Wow, I have been missing out. Blackberry, blueberry, raspberry and rose petal on the nose, with a hint of spice. Loads of berry fruit (think fruit jam) on the palate with just a little pepper. Very mild tannins. Easily one of the most elegant Zinfandels I have ever had. New appreciation for the varietal. Wish I had bought more of this, but I will know in the future!
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14.8% alcohol. Classic Selyem Zinfandel. Bright red color. Spicy, almost jammy nose of black fruit. In the mouth, briary fruit carries the day, with beautiful purity and concentration, a solid acidic kick, and a smooth, lingering finish. Drinking beautifully now. A-
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3/13/2020 - Rootmann Likes this wine: 91 Points
I had this way back in my cellar. Still tasted wonderful. There was a lot of sediment in this bottle. I might have missed it's prime, but it have great notes of fruit, but a long soft finish.
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2/2/2019 - kerlscj Likes this wine: 92 Points
A Zin David liked, soft, surprising fruity, jammy, is David’s descriptor, need a chocolate dessert.
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12/22/2018 - David B wrote: 91 Points
No formal notes but everyone loved it including me. pretty heavy, syrupy but beautiful silky fruit. Took about 1/2 hour to open up. Dangerously gulpable. I will buy more when Selyem sends me my yearly release. Had it with butternut squash risotto with a dollop of mascarpone, happy campers all around.
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10/27/2018 - D.Callahan Likes this wine: 90 Points
Excellent Zin with some age to tame the still present fruit. Balanced and delicious.
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8/26/2017 - kleinahoe wrote: 92 Points
Still tastes fine.
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10/30/2016 - trailrunnr Likes this wine: 90 Points
Wonderful aroma, smooth front and finish with superb balance.
Each successive sip was better than previous.
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4/13/2016 - tomlee wrote: 93 Points
Maroon in color. 14.8% ABV. Pretty nose of juicy red fruits, plums and black pepper. Medium body with mouth watering acidity. Fresher and less jammy than most Williams Selyem Zins. Raspberry, boysenberry, strawberry and more pepper on the palate. The wine finishes strong with chalky, gritty tannins. Had I tasted this blind I would not have pegged it as a wine made by Bob Cabral. Atypical but exceptional. Absolutely singing tonight. Drink over the next 1-3 years.
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3/15/2016 - mkmast wrote: 92 Points
Really a beautiful wine. One of the smoothest zin I have had. Delicious fruit with just enough tannin and acid to pair with food. Wish I had more.
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12/18/2015 - mike1234 Does not like this wine: 71 Points
The opaque dark cherry color, nose has some fresh fruit on it, medium body, unfortunately has an oxidized taste.
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12/12/2015 - mike1234 Likes this wine: 88 Points
Opaque purple color, but oxidized smelling nose, smooth wine with moderate to low acidity, rich berry fruit on palate, someone cherry type fruit on finish.
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11/26/2015 - Black Kat wrote: 92 Points
Decanted for approximately one hour before tasting. Tasting well, lots of time left for this wine but still not to early to enjoy. Behind the red and dark fruit were hints of black pepper and tobacco.
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5/1/2015 - djarcara Likes this wine: 90 Points
Full body. The fruit has integrated, but is still very pronounced. Flavors of loganberry and blackberry, with a hint of vanilla and leather. The tannins have softened nicely. Drink up!
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9/14/2014 - BGK810 wrote: 93 Points
Brambly black fruits, deftly nuanced oak. Zin at its richest, balanced best.
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9/11/2014 - tfesmgk Likes this wine: 93 Points
Probably the best WS Zin I've had. Big but balanced. Definitely zin spice but noticable smoothness on the finish and length. Very good!
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2/26/2014 - difran wrote: 94 Points
Big fruit, but still just enough structure. Drink it now though.
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12/10/2013 - johnwine Likes this wine: 92 Points
Deliciously complex Zin with plenty of berries and peppery spice.
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7/4/2013 - Jbird73 wrote: 92 Points
Beautiful deep nose of dark fruit and a deep purple Color. Decanted for about 30 minutes with plenty of agitation. Cocktailed this with some friends and brownies which was great together. Sad it is my last of this vintage.
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4/12/2013 - hanasowner wrote: 90 Points
Just a bit of fruit coming through the alcohol upon opening, but after sitting in the bottle for two hours the alcohol blew off and this started to settle down. Have one more bottle and will give it a minimum of two hours.
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4/6/2013 - christophee wrote: 88 Points
Garnet purple with med-heavy viscosity in the glass. Big nose of stewed prune, red and black fruit and oak. Med-full body with sultry plum, raspberry and spice on the palate. Some heat. Medium finish.
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4/1/2013 - kenthargis wrote: 92 Points
Delicious as usual. They are by far my favorite Zin that WS makes. Rich, brambly, long finish. Always a winner.
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12/27/2012 - dtirsell Likes this wine: 90 Points
Decanted for 2 hrs for Christmas Salmon. Lovely fruity bouquet, slight white pepper finish with lots of cherry fruit.
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12/25/2012 - Sauvyfan wrote: 92 Points
Consistent with notes from 18 months ago. Even more hightoned fruit now. Jammy without being heavy. Minimal spice notes. Great balance.
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12/8/2012 - RWCA wrote: 93 Points
So well balanced you don't notice the alcohol content. Went great with a seasoned flank steak.
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10/21/2012 - brujazz wrote: 95 Points
- Brick color with slow forming legs and aromas of tobacco, bell pepper, prune and fig. It's in total harmony with a full body. Juicy texture with a long finish - Ooooooooo! This is some great juice. For me, this is what Zinfandel is all about. The finish is sooooooooo long, that I'm still tasting it as I write this note!!
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2/24/2012 - kenthargis wrote: 89 Points
This was nice. Also didn't notice as much blackberry flavor or oak as some. Fruit was luscious. Would recommend.
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2/4/2012 - MB Ben wrote: 92 Points
Wonderful pure Zinfandel fruit. I missed the oak and bramble picked up by some. This a less rustic expression of Zinfandel than some others. Medium to full-bodied. Coats the palate but not at all heavy. Cherries, raspberries and a long silky finish.
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11/16/2011 - gwkozar wrote: 91 Points
fresh ripe raspberry, well balanced
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11/14/2011 - atilathehun wrote: flawed
corked
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11/12/2011 - Christoffer78 Likes this wine: 92 Points
A lovely effort, the 2007 Papera Zinfandel is giving a very pinot noir like impression. The nose is actually so pinot like I am quite amazed at first. After opening the bottle the nose displays a cascade of mature strawberries, but also more acidic red currants as well as subtle oak. After an hour or so, a perfect tone of violets emerges. The palate is full-bodied with a pleasant acidity and a long finish. This is a perfectly drinking Zinfandel and it will certainly keep for a few more years, but why wait?
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9/21/2011 - meatbomb013 wrote: 92 Points
Same notes on this bottle as the last.
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8/13/2011 - haldolugr wrote: 94 Points
Don't buy many WS zins but this might make me rethink this strategy. Raspberry and dark fruit, pepper, it's a complex mix but really well integrated, great tannins and easy as can be finish.
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7/30/2011 - Sauvyfan Likes this wine: 93 Points
Three hour decant. Blueberries and raspberries galore on the nose, with toffee and spicey bramble. The body is full but lithe for a Zinfandel from this region. Chocolate covered fruits explode on the palate; Raspberry, Blackberry, and Blueberry. Supple transition to a big, long finish without being chewy. Paired beautifully with a grilled NY Strip. I put this up there with Biale and Storybook as some of the best Zin available.
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7/1/2011 - kultcha wrote: 90 Points
Deep red colour. Nice nose showing black fruit and a bit of spice. Lots of briary fruit on the palate, little oak (chocolate/vanilla) but that along with a touch of heat, dissipates pretty quickly with some air. Good finish, silky tannins, nice acidity. Good structure but not as much as Ridge, for example. Drinking really well right now with a bit of air, not sure it will evolve any further in the cellar but definitely not fading away too soon either.
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4/23/2011 - KeithSurg wrote: 88 Points
Heavy, ripe, dark fruit. Not as sweet as some Zins with this style. Some mint and mocha flavors. Hot, alcoholic finish.
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4/2/2011 - dougie wrote: 92 Points
Drank along side a 09 Ridge lytton spring. This one had much more complexity and flavor. Love WS zins. At first, it was a bit closed, but it opened up very quickly. Opened for an hour and poured off a glass. Next time, decant.
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3/5/2011 - vino_per_tutti wrote: 87 Points
Great nose: fruit forward, stewed plums and jam. Palate very jammy and a bit too sweet for my taste. The CW, however, deemed it "delicious". Medium bodied, round finish.
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1/27/2011 - meatbomb013 wrote: 92 Points
Very fruit forward, bordering on jammy. Smooth with a velvety texture. Dark fruits with a medium finish. Drink these over the next year or so.
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11/18/2010 - gwkozar wrote: 92 Points
best of the zin night. Jammy but not sweet, some acidity, fullness without being weighty, raspberry. Expecting my 2nd bottle to improve by next year.
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8/22/2010 - rxlaw95 wrote:
New WS rating at 90 points. "not yet ready until 2012 thru 2016". Noted to be tart an fruity with anise andd earth.
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7/17/2010 - BailliSacks Does not like this wine:
Too jammy for me.
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6/3/2010 - Colia wrote: 92 Points
Inky black with blood red rim. Nose is a bit hot, exploding with fruit and spice. Red plum, blueberry, cassis, cinnamon and allspice.
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5/23/2010 - SYR wrote: 92 Points
Great balance of jam cut by acidity. Awesome nose and a wine that really stands on it's own. Might work with some great cheese.
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5/1/2010 - silton wrote:
May Fete Deck Party 2010: This was delicious and a huge hit. Liquid black raspberry confection with enough acidity to keep it together; perhaps a bit jammy, but I keyed in on a dark chocolate underpinning as well as creamy vanilla topside with the bramble fruit melange on the back end, both of which added interest. It ended on a fine black pepper note that kept the flavors singing, nice and long. I agree with jcvaughan that this is more fruity and less structured than the Carlisle equivalent. 93
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4/27/2010 - bmdaniel wrote: 94 Points
Superbly balanced - drinking very well with lots of rich fruit, mild tannins.
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4/18/2010 - Outplaying wrote:
Getting together with friends: Lots of blueberries. I was really worried that this may be over the top for me but it was not. Nice acidity; not very tannic. I liked this a lot and part of me didn't want to like it because for $50 I'd normally rather buy a cab, brunello or CdP. This was a little more fruity and not as structured as the Carlisle Papera that followed it. I would say drink this now and hold the Carlisle for a bit. I'll probably buy this again at the next offering.
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2/13/2010 - gutt22 wrote:
14.8% alcohol. Peppery, spicy nose of jammy black fruit. In the mouth, a jammy edge to the briary fruit. Good acidity and a long, fruity finish. Just a delicious expression. A-
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1/26/2010 - mmurry wrote: 91 Points
The nose was loaded with fruit, mainly blueberry and raspberry. Underneath the fruit was a little bramble, pepper, and vanilla. The palate was very rich and slightly sweet. There was raspberry and cherry, and a little spice and bramble. It finished with a big shot of blueberry.
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1/13/2010 - brianngibson wrote: 93 Points
Long time Williams Selyem Pinot drinker, first time Williams Selyem Zin drinker. Wow, I have been missing out. Blackberry, blueberry, raspberry and rose petal on the nose, with a hint of spice. Loads of berry fruit (think fruit jam) on the palate with just a little pepper. Very mild tannins. Easily one of the most elegant Zinfandels I have ever had. New appreciation for the varietal. Wish I had bought more of this, but I will know in the future!
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12/25/2009 - difran wrote: 87 Points
Very drinkable now. Opened with 06 D-cubed zin, the WS was the bottle of choice at the table.
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12/14/2009 - awinsf wrote: 92 Points
Preferred this to the forchini
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12/12/2009 - gutt22 wrote:
14.8% alcohol. Classic Selyem Zinfandel. Bright red color. Spicy, almost jammy nose of black fruit. In the mouth, briary fruit carries the day, with beautiful purity and concentration, a solid acidic kick, and a smooth, lingering finish. Drinking beautifully now. A-
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