Melville – Estate Chardonnay – Sta. Rita Hills

Overview: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.

This wine is 100% from our Sta. Rita Hills estate and is a combination of clones 4, 76, and 95, along with Mount Eden, Hanzell, Hudson, Wente and Melville selections. Our chardonnay vines were planted in 1997, predominantly on the west side of our estate where we have varying degrees of sand. Because the west side receives the brunt of brutally cold ocean-winds and grows in our nutrient deficient, well-drained soils, we feel our chardonnay always captures the vibrancy, minerality, and concentrated flavors that are hallmarks of our appellation. Our densely planted vineyard is harvested by hand then gently whole-cluster pressed, cold settled overnight and transferred by gravity to barrel for fermentation in neutral French oak barrels (15+ years old), with zero malolactic and sur lie aging without any lees disturbance.

Tasting Notes: On the nose you instantly get a gust of ocean breeze as if standing in front of a wave crashing on the shore. The scent of shallow ocean gives way to crushed chalk followed by lime, underripe pineapple and honeysuckle. The palate electrifies with citrus notes of kumquats and lime. The signature Sta. Rita Hills sunshine takes stage in the glass in the form of vibrant pineapple and golden kiwi. The Estate Chardonnay??s freshness begs for food but does great with just good conversation.

Pairing:Steak and baked potato, old school like. Or roasted mushrooms and mashers.

Points: 94,Jub Dunnuck

Format/ABV: 750 ml/13.7%

In certain circumstances, a specific vintage may not be available. If this is the case, a comparable vintage of the same wine will be substituted for online orders. If shopping in store, please check the bottle for the appropriate vintage. If you have a question about a specific vintage that is in stock, please email [email protected]