Williams Selyem Zinfandel Saitone Estate Vineyard Russian River Valley 2021 750ml

Williams Selyem, the Russian River Valley icon founded by Burt Williams and Ed Selyem, is best known for Pinot Noir, but its Saitone Estate Vineyard Zinfandel has a devoted following of its own. The vines were planted in 1895, making them some of the oldest in the appellation, and they yield small crops of intensely flavored fruit. The 2021 vintage, a drought year with naturally low yields, produced a dense, framed wine with black cherry, cassis, violets, fruitcake and bitter chocolate, plus a saline mineral note. James Suckling praised its "beautifully polished juicy tannins" and bright, balancing acidity. Drink now or hold for the next decade.