![]() At the time of harvest, they consider the wines to already be made, and strive to not interfere with their natural path in the cellar. Farming aggressively, yet carefully, and with the utmost respect to Mother Nature, helps encourage the vines to produce small amounts of intensely flavored/concentrated fruit. With the guidance of Head Winegrower, Chad Melville, Melville’s full-time vineyard crew nurtures their 120 estate acres organically, paying close attention to the health of both the vines and the soil. Rita Hills and has since become one of the most highly-regarded estates in California. Melville Vineyards was established in 1996 in the heart of the Sta. Ron Melville and his sons recognized that these exceptional conditions, combined with their commitment to “winegrowing,” would result in wines of remarkable quality. The highly unusual east-west (or transverse) mountain range, close proximity to the cold Pacific, consistent coastal fog, and steady afternoon breezes together create ideal conditions for growing cold-climate Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Syrah. 14.2% alc.There is no place on earth quite like the Sta. It is boldly flavored and mouth filling on the palate, soft on entry but firmly structured with tannins more present on the finish. It is rich and spicy on an effusive nose and is fruit forward with red and black fruit. 100% whole clusters fermented in open top fermenters and aged 18 months in neutral French oak. Rita Hills ($62) 95 Donna’s Syrah is another cool climate Syrah sourced from a small 3.6 acre parcel of sandy soils planted with Clone 1 and the Estrella Clone. A pure dark fruited Pinot Noir with ripe flavors. Finishes with a very long floral expression. It is big and smooth on the plate with medium-firm chunky tannins and a loamy note. Rita Hills 94 This Pinot Noir displays a medium dark ruby color and offers effusive scents of dark rose petals and black cherry. ![]() ![]() Melville 2020 Rancho Nuevo Pinot Noir Sta. 40% whole cluster fermented in 1.5 ton open top fermenters and aged in neutral oak. Bold on the attack, it shows dark red fruit with herbal nuances and has a refined texture. Medium dark ruby red, it is made from clones 383, 470, Estrella 1 and 99 and displays a spicy nose with notes of herbs and resin. Rita Hills ($38) 93 The Estate Syrah is a fresh and savory cool climate wine. Although not as complex as the estate wine, it is more pure and elegant. Fruitier than the estate Pinot Noir, it is soft and silky on the palate with round tannins, a sense of minerals, and nuances of mushrooms/earthiness. It displays a light red color and a red cherry nose. Rita Hills ($62) 95 This Pinot Noir is sourced from an 8-acre vineyard of sandy soils planted to clones 114 and 667 and is 67% whole cluster fermented. Made from several clones with very low yields (1.5 tons/acre). A silky polished wine and an exceptional value. Sourced from 16 different clones, 40% whole cluster, fermented in small open top fermenters, and aged in neutral oak for 18 months. It has a firm texture, is beautifully concentrated on the palate, and is focused and clean with an earthy and herbal nuance. ![]() Rita Hills ($40) Estate Pinot Noir displays a medium ruby red color with a pomegranate and wild dark cherry nose. Made from several Dijon and Heritage clones planted in 1997. It also shows good freshness and a clean long finish. It displays hints of honeysuckle, pear and cling peach on the nose and has a surprisingly creamy mouth feel with excellent balance and good acidity. Melville 2020 Estate Chardonnay Sta Rita Hills ($40) Estate Chardonnay is whole cluster pressed, fermented in neutral oak barrels with no malo and aged 10 months in neutral French oak.
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