Melville, Sta. Rita Hills Estate Pinot Noir, Santa Barbara, California, 2020
Overview of the Wine
There is no place on earth quite like the Sta. Rita Hills. 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. Ron Melville and his sons recognized that these exceptional conditions, combined with their commitment to “winegrowing,” would result in wines of remarkable quality. Melville Vineyards was established in 1996 in the heart of the Sta. Rita Hills and has since become one of the most highly-regarded estates in California.
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. 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. 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. To this effect, they maintain a minimalist approach by aging their wines only in neutral French oak and stainless steel and utilize whole cluster fermentation to contribute to the depth, structure, and complexity of their wines.
Grape / Blend
Pinot Noir
Origin
Sta. Rita Hills, Santa Barbara, California
Winemaker's Tasting Notes
Red rose petal in color, lively and vivid aromatics of raspberry, black cherry, fresh cranberry sauce, blood orange and nori waft from the glass. In the background, dried sage, basil powder and talc weave alongside a hint of cinnamon and orange rind. The mouthfeel is polished with soft, bright acidity and focused, silky, assertive tannins on the finish that add gorgeous earthy components and complexity.
91 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2020 Pinot Noir Estate has a medium ruby color and scents of dried red cherries and pomegranate with accents of tobacco leaves and prosciutto. The medium-bodied palate is firm and grainy, finishing earthy.
Product size: 750ml
