Melville – Pinot Noir – Santa Rita Hills

Overview:This is 100% Melville fruit from our 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 (1.5 ton) open-top fermenters. Total skin and stem contact averaged 30 days (7-day cold soak, 2+ weeks of fermentation and 1+ week extended maceration). From the press, the wine was transferred directly into neutral barrel (15+ year old French oak), where it remained sur lie without sulfur until July, when it was gently racked for the first time and prepared for bottling in August.

Tasting Notes: Fresh and open aromas of strawberry sorbet, pomegranate and plum draw the nose into this bottling, but it’s the black-tea and dewy pine-needle aspects that hold the attention. Tremendous energy bursts forth on the sip, full of incense and forest herbs that bolster the delicious wild, just-plucked cherry and other red-fruit flavors.

Pairing:Salmonor other fatty fish, roasted chicken or pasta dishes

Points:95, Wine Enthusiast

Format / ABV:750 ml / 13.8%

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]