2011 Williams Selyem Zinfandel Papera Vineyard

The only Zinfandel I tasted was the 2011 Zinfandel Papera Vineyard. Among all the high octane, monster Zins this winery has made, this one came in at only 14.8%, which reflects the cold growing conditions and extremely late harvest of 2011. Although good, the vintage is responsible for its limitations. It offers some attractive berry fruit, and there is nothing herbaceous or angular about it. It is just a lightweight red to drink over the next 3-4 years. Alcohols in 2011 were not much lower than in some of the riper vintages, although they were definitely down. The 2011 Williams Selyem Chardonnays range between 13.9% (Heintz) to 14.5% (Olivet Lane). I tend to think this estate's Chardonnay program is underrated as it seems like their Pinot Noirs receive all the attention to the detriment of their Chardonnays, which can be brilliant. Tel. (707) 433-6425