Williams Selyem Tasting

[Trevor_C]

Very true that there are a large number of wines produced (38 at last count), and it would be great to open a large selection of said wines. Having been on the production side - it truly isn’t feasible. When they say they only have a limited selection of older vintages, they’re being truthful. They don’t hold a large library - with most wines 98 and earlier being less than 5 cases per wine (I know, I took the inventory twice annually).

After each release, unless there is a major sales issue - only as many as 14 cases of each wine are held back - mostly to replace bottles due to cork taint or other issues. While it would be lovely for them to open a large breadth of single vineyards for people to try - it just isn’t possible to do so on a consistent basis. While they don’t have to do it either - they do open a large selection at the release parties - if you haven’t been- it’s your best opportunity.

I know the tasting has evolved since my time there (I left in 2012), but certainly each client is a valued member of the list - though the ~200 “A-list” members (those on since the early days and still active) are treated to a few extras.

[ncostanzo1]

@Marshall Gelb

@ncostanzo1

@Marshall Gelb

Chris D; I really have to agree with Dusty and Blake as I believe longevity on the list might have a bit to do with the length and breadth of your tasting. I have been on the list “forever” and always get treated extremely well when I visit. Not to sound egotistical or mean , but I really believe that long time customers deserve a bit of special treatment. I think this is or should be true of all businesses. The new facility is simply beautiful and quite a difference from their former “digs.”


Cheers!
Marshall

Would it matter how much business he did with this brand (i.e. level of money spent vs time on the list?) I’ve been on the list for about 5 years now, I don’t spend as much as I did initially due to various reasons but in your opinion do you feel that should change the experience I should have there?

Disclaimer: The two times I have visited the winery (once to do a pick up on a weekend) I was treated quite nice, many library wines open and will definitely go back for a visit.

Actually Nick…I do. I don’t mean that people should be treated poorly or in a lesser manner. Not at all! However, opening an extra bottle or two for long time customers seems totally fair to me. As you, yourself experienced, it is quite a nice visit and you would certainly return. In a way, this is similar to people getting different allocations from some wineries depending on the length of time on the list. Again, I see no problem with that…


Cheers!
Marshall

Thanks Marshall, I don’t necessarily agree or disagree with you, but I do get that a business chooses how to allocate wines to members etc, it’s definitely at there discretion, what’s best for the business of WS. Cheers!

[Blake_Brown]

@Trevor C

Very true that there are a large number of wines produced (38 at last count), and it would be great to open a large selection of said wines. Having been on the production side - it truly isn’t feasible. When they say they only have a limited selection of older vintages, they’re being truthful. They don’t hold a large library - with most wines 98 and earlier being less than 5 cases per wine (I know, I took the inventory twice annually).

After each release, unless there is a major sales issue - only as many as 14 cases of each wine are held back - mostly to replace bottles due to cork taint or other issues. While it would be lovely for them to open a large breadth of single vineyards for people to try - it just isn’t possible to do so on a consistent basis. While they don’t have to do it either - they do open a large selection at the release parties - if you haven’t been- it’s your best opportunity.

I know the tasting has evolved since my time there (I left in 2012), but certainly each client is a valued member of the list - though the ~200 “A-list” members (those on since the early days and still active) are treated to a few extras.

Trevor, this is great info and properly addresses the issues coming out of this thread from a realistic and practical standpoint. Many thanks.

[Jane_Crabill]

I’ve visited the new facility twice and will probably do so again this year around the time of the West of West Festival. I have purchased a back vintage that we tasted on the visit. I can’t afford to buy all of the Pinots they offer so rely pretty much on impressions of past vintages and the descriptive notes furnished with the release (I prefer cherry, plum, savory notes, mocha, spices, etc. but am not excited by blueberry notes or cherry cola.)

[Chris_D1]

@Trevor C

Very true that there are a large number of wines produced (38 at last count), and it would be great to open a large selection of said wines. Having been on the production side - it truly isn’t feasible. When they say they only have a limited selection of older vintages, they’re being truthful. They don’t hold a large library - with most wines 98 and earlier being less than 5 cases per wine (I know, I took the inventory twice annually).

After each release, unless there is a major sales issue - only as many as 14 cases of each wine are held back - mostly to replace bottles due to cork taint or other issues. While it would be lovely for them to open a large breadth of single vineyards for people to try - it just isn’t possible to do so on a consistent basis. While they don’t have to do it either - they do open a large selection at the release parties - if you haven’t been- it’s your best opportunity.

I know the tasting has evolved since my time there (I left in 2012), but certainly each client is a valued member of the list - though the ~200 “A-list” members (those on since the early days and still active) are treated to a few extras.

Thanks for the terrific insight Trevor. Great advice to attend a release party. Guess I need to somehow make the time to get out there more often and keep close track of everything they are willing to pour.

[Michael_Klein]

Great info!

As far as taking non list members, we arranged this last year and it was totally fine. They treated our guests fantastic despite them not purchasing wine. They treated our guests like their guests. It was great. We got a superb tour that day.

[Marshall_Gelb]

@Blake Brown

@Trevor C

Very true that there are a large number of wines produced (38 at last count), and it would be great to open a large selection of said wines. Having been on the production side - it truly isn’t feasible. When they say they only have a limited selection of older vintages, they’re being truthful. They don’t hold a large library - with most wines 98 and earlier being less than 5 cases per wine (I know, I took the inventory twice annually).

After each release, unless there is a major sales issue - only as many as 14 cases of each wine are held back - mostly to replace bottles due to cork taint or other issues. While it would be lovely for them to open a large breadth of single vineyards for people to try - it just isn’t possible to do so on a consistent basis. While they don’t have to do it either - they do open a large selection at the release parties - if you haven’t been- it’s your best opportunity.

I know the tasting has evolved since my time there (I left in 2012), but certainly each client is a valued member of the list - though the ~200 “A-list” members (those on since the early days and still active) are treated to a few extras.

Trevor, this is great info and properly addresses the issues coming out of this thread from a realistic and practical standpoint. Many thanks.

Thanks for your insight Trevor and it is a policy that I totally agree with. WS treats everyone very well and does have a few “extras” for long standing members.


Cheers!
Marshall

[Blake_Brown]

@Marshall Gelb

@Blake Brown

@Trevor C

Very true that there are a large number of wines produced (38 at last count), and it would be great to open a large selection of said wines. Having been on the production side - it truly isn’t feasible. When they say they only have a limited selection of older vintages, they’re being truthful. They don’t hold a large library - with most wines 98 and earlier being less than 5 cases per wine (I know, I took the inventory twice annually).

After each release, unless there is a major sales issue - only as many as 14 cases of each wine are held back - mostly to replace bottles due to cork taint or other issues. While it would be lovely for them to open a large breadth of single vineyards for people to try - it just isn’t possible to do so on a consistent basis. While they don’t have to do it either - they do open a large selection at the release parties - if you haven’t been- it’s your best opportunity.

I know the tasting has evolved since my time there (I left in 2012), but certainly each client is a valued member of the list - though the ~200 “A-list” members (those on since the early days and still active) are treated to a few extras.

Trevor, this is great info and properly addresses the issues coming out of this thread from a realistic and practical standpoint. Many thanks.

Thanks for your insight Trevor and it is a policy that I totally agree with. WS treats everyone very well and does have a few “extras” for long standing members.


Cheers!
Marshall

Marshall, what most do not know is how WS`s current owners take care of former employees and the original owner. They are extremely gracious in doing so and it is to be greatly appreciated by all of us who are not in the loop of knowing what transpires “under the table”. This is a class organization who strongly support all who have contributed to their success and this needs to be recognized as such. Their hospitality that we talk about in this thread is only a slight example of the integrity they possess.