2015 Melville Estate Pinot Noir

Winemaker’s Notes:

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 (10+ year old French oak), where it remained sur lie without sulfur until June, when it was gently racked for the first time and prepared for bottling in August. Yields were 3.0 lbs/vine (2.9 tons/acre).

Pale ruby in color, ripe and vivid aromatics of red raspberry, orange zest and rhubarb spring from the glass. On the palate, savory notes of black tea, nori and eucalyptus mingle with fresh impressions of pomegranate, Bing cherry and plum skin. Soft tannins and fresh acidity, combined with the tenderness of the wine lead to a lengthy and cohesive finish.

Critical Acclaim:

“93 points.

“Red cherry, dried rose petal and cinnamon-spiced melon show on the unique and alluring nose in this bottling. The palate offers a complex blend of earth and fruit, combining sour cherry with wild thyme, red flowers and dried sage.” – Wine Enthusiast