Melville 2021 Pinot Noir Anna's Block
Item Number: 17 20 326 21
Melville 2021 Pinot Noir Anna's Block
97 Point Rated Estate Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir!
Quick Taste
- 97 Points!
- Sta. Rita Hills Estate Pinot Noir
- "elegant and effusive right out of the gate."
- "fresh, focused, intense and ripe."
About Melville 2021 Pinot Noir Anna's Block
Located in the heart of the Sta. Rita Hills appellation in Santa Barbara County, Melville currently has 120 acres under vine. When Ron Melville and his sons decided to develop their estate vineyards and winery in Lompoc, a prime area for growing cool-climate varietals, they recognized the importance of distinguishing this unique area within the valley. As such, the Melville family was heavily involved in the creation of the Sta. Rita Hills AVA, which was granted in 2001.
Over on the westside lies Anna’s Block, planted in 2001 on a gentle southern slope in the northwest portion of the vineyard. This area is one of the most even-ripening blocks as the rows are planted in a north-south orientation, receiving a consistent exposure to the cold-climate sun. The soil is a well-drained and low nutrient sandy loam, causing the vines to work incredibly hard to survive. This stress, combined with their targeted care and attention, leads Anna’s to produce small clusters and small berries, which equates to concentrated fruit that is exquisitely perfumed and inviting. Planted to two different Dijon clones working well in tandem, Clone 667 is known for producing high-quality wines in Burgundy and brings intense color, structure, depth, and ageability, while the earlier ripening Clone 114 offers richness and stuffing.
A stunning crimson colored pinot noir, Anna’s overflows with baked strawberries, red cassis, and fig on the nose, followed by newly fallen autumn leaves and nutmeg. This elegant wine shows cooked cranberries and brie rind, with a touch of foraged mushrooms. The silky, soft textures and bright freshness makes Anna’s a wonderful complement to baked salmon, smoked trout, and pork tenderloin.
Wine Enthusiast scored this 97 Points saying "The nose on this bottling is fresh, focused, intense and ripe. Black cherry, strawberry and dark mint aromas are seductive and attention-snagging. The palate lands with juicy flavors of strawberry and Bing cherry, as cracked white and green peppercorn spices mix with fresh herbs to hammer home the deliciously detailed experience."
Vinous scored this 94 Points saying "The 2021 Pinot Noir Anna's Block is elegant and effusive right out of the gate. Dried flowers, game, tobacco, incense and licorice open first. Deceptive in its mid-weight feel, the 2021 is punchy and super-expressive. Silky tannins extend the ethereal finish nicely. Drink 2024-2033"
Jeb Dunnuck scored this 92+ Points saying "The 2021 Pinot Noir Anna's Block comes from the Melville estate vineyard, planted in 1997 by Brent and Chad Melville. It's even lighter hued, with a translucent ruby hue followed by a pretty, more herbal, focused Pinot Noir offering tart cherry and framboise fruit, medium body, a focused, tight mouthfeel, and outstanding length. It's getting close to the lean category yet opens up nicely with air. I'd give bottles another 2-3 years of bottle age, when I suspect it will have gained a touch of generosity and breadth."
Wine Details
- Alcohol % 13.6%
- Bottle Size 750 ml
- Wine Type Red
- Country United States
- Region California
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