Accolades & Praise

On the Record

Williams Selyem wines have always done the talking. But over the decades, several people have described them well enough to be worth repeating. Below is a selection, from respected voices today to storied publications of the past.

From the Critics

Wine reviews of our most recent vintages, by the numbers.

Score Reviewer Release
98 James Suckling Fall 2025
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98 James Suckling Fall 2025
96 Cristaldi & Co. Fall 2025
95 Robert Parker / Wine Advocate Fall 2025
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97 James Suckling Fall 2025
97 Cristaldi & Co. Fall 2025
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97 Cristaldi & Co. Fall 2025
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99 James Suckling Fall 2025
97 Cristaldi & Co. Fall 2025
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99 James Suckling Fall 2025
97 Cristaldi & Co. Fall 2025
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98 James Suckling Fall 2025
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98 James Suckling Fall 2025
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97 James Suckling Fall 2025
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97 James Suckling Fall 2025
97 Cristaldi & Co. Fall 2025
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99 James Suckling Fall 2025
98 Cristaldi & Co. Fall 2025
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97 James Suckling Fall 2025
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98 James Suckling Fall 2024
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97 James Suckling Fall 2024
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98 James Suckling Fall 2024
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98 Wine Enthusiast Fall 2024
98 James Suckling Fall 2024
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97 James Suckling Fall 2024
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97 James Suckling Fall 2024
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97 James Suckling Fall 2024
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98 James Suckling Fall 2024
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97 James Suckling Fall 2024
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97 James Suckling Fall 2023
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98 James Suckling Fall 2023
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97 James Suckling Fall 2023
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98 Wine Advocate Spring 2023
98 Jeb Dunnuck Spring 2023
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98 Wine Advocate Spring 2023
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97 James Suckling Fall 2023
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98 James Suckling Fall 2023
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97 Wine Advocate Spring 2023
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97 Wine Advocate Spring 2023
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96 Wine Enthusiast Spring 2022
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96 Wine Enthusiast Spring 2022
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96 Wine Enthusiast Spring 2022

In Their Words

Fifty years in, the pursuit hasn’t slowed. The wine world has noticed. 

Williams Selyem has cemented itself as an icon of California Pinot Noir, thanks in large part to Jeff Mangahas, who’s been head winemaker here since 2014…

—
James Molesworth, Wine Spectator, 2025

Few wineries have had a deeper influence on the trajectory of American Pinot Noir than Williams Selyem.

—
Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Master of Wine

Today Williams Selyem wines have achieved world-class status, and have helped to propel the Russian River Valley to fame as one of the best wine growing regions in the world.

—
– Dr. Liz Thach, Master of Wine

What Started It All

Original praise that placed Williams Selyem on the global fine wine map.

“Best California Wine of the Year”

Bon Appétit
1985

“Best of Show”

California State Fair
1987

“Two Guys Who Mine Gold in a Garage Winery”

San Francisco Examiner
1987

“Wine of the Year”

Golden Gate Wine Society
1987

“Best Winemakers in America”

Wine Spectator
1990

“Top 100 Wines: 1988 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir (#61)”

Wine Spectator
1990

“Best Pinot Noir in America”

Los Angeles Times
1992

“First 100-Point American Pinot Noir”

Wine Enthusiast
2010

Read the Review

“Top 10 Wines: 2023 Eastside Road Neighbors Pinot Noir (#4)”

Wine Spectator
2025