Melville 2017 Pinot Noir Estate, Sta. Rita Hills

Situated amongst the beautiful rolling hills of Western Santa Ynez Valley, Melville is dedicated to producing exceptional cold-climate Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Syrah grown exclusively in their estate vineyards throughout the Sta. Rita Hills appellation. Founded in 1989, Melville is a family-owned and operated estate winery, upholding its tradition as one of the most highly-regarded estates in California.

This 2017 is 100% Melville fruit from their Sta. Rita Hills estate, and is a collection of sixteen Pinot  Noir clones. 40% of  the fruit was fermented as whole-clusters with 60% gently de-stemmed in small open-top fermenters for fermentation with native yeasts, total skin and stem contact averaged 30 days. From the press, the wine was transferred directly into neutral barrels where it remained sur lie without sulfur for 18months.

Wine Enthusiast scored this 95 points saying "Crisp aromas of raspberry sorbet and cherry-mint glaze meet with a touch of green herbs and menthol on the nose of this bottling, which enlivens the senses. Fresh strawberry and blistered tomato flavors arise on the sip, backed by eucalyptus and pine-needle touches, making for a glass that’s guzzled quickly."


Jeb Dunnuck scored this 94 points saying "Coming from vines around the estate, the 2017 Pinot Noir Sta. Rita Hills is based on a mix of clones and was 60% destemmed and brought up all in totally neutral oak. It’s a classic Melville Pinot Noir that jumps from the glass with its spiced red and black fruits, dried flower, marine-like salinity, bay leaf, and forest floor aromas and flavors. Balanced, medium-bodied, and elegant on the palate, with light tannins and nicely integrated acidity, it can be drunk today or cellared for a decade."