Cabral to leave Williams Selyem

Bob Cabral, head winemaker at one of California’s most respected Pinot Noir producers, Williams Selyem, has announced his departure after 16 years with the winery.

Having helped to push the Russian River producer into a new era by expanding its vineyard holdings, refining its style and overseeing the construction of a new winery, Cabral confirmed his plan to leave after the 2014 harvest as he indicated that he intends to start his own project.

“I’m ready to do something different,” he told Wine Spectator, including “some things that didn’t necessarily fit into the plans at Williams Selyem.” Although Cabral offered no detail of what his next venture might entail, he confirmed: “I can definitely see myself making my own wine.”

Williams Selyem’s owners John and Kathe Dyson, who hired Cabral when they bought the winery in 1998, praised the “enormous contributions” made by Cabral in helping their business “evolve from a cult brand to a cherished institution.”

They confirmed that winemaking operations will now be headed up by Jeff Mangahas, who joined Williams Selyem from fellow Russian River producer Hartford Court three years ago.