Geoffrey Binder, JJ Buckley, May 2011

A pale golden color. An exuberant nose offers yellow peach, pear and marzipan with an underlying note of white floral. Supple and broad on the palate, there is great depth of fruit. White peach and nectarine are followed by spicy pear and are held tightly together by bright acids which carry through to a long finish, closing with a hint of white pepper. Drink now and over the next 3-5 years.

92 points,

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, August 2011

The 2009 Chardonnay Verna's was fermented and aged in neutral oak with some batonnage. It presents deep, rich layers of tropical fruit, butterscotch and spices, all of which come together nicely on a rich, textured frame. The Verna's finishes with excellent lushness and body. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2018.

90 points,

Stephen Tanzer's IWC, November 2010

Bright gold. Subtle aromas of lemon, melon, tarragon and white flowers. Dense and supple on entry, then silky but firm in the middle, with reticent but complex honeydew and orange flavors and a hint of herbs. Finishes with very good length and a hint of spice. - Josh Raynolds

About Winery

In 1989, Melville Vineyards, a family owned and operated enterprise was founded in Sonoma County's Knights Valley, where Ron Melville grew high quality, much sought after Chardonnay, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon. In 1996, Ron's desire to grow Pinot Noir and Chardonnay brought Melville Vineyards to Lompoc's Sta. Rita Hills, located in the western Santa Ynez Valley of Santa Barbara County, California.

The Sta. Rita Hills appellation is where Ron Melville and his sons Brent and Chad Melville decided to develop their estate  vineyards and winery. All fruit for wine production is not only exclusively farmed and sourced from Melville Vineyards, but is also produced by Melville Winery. Since then, they have also developed an interest in Rhone varietals, particularly Northern Rhone Syrah and Viognier. The Melville estate achieves quality through the integrity of its farming practice and its respect to the microclimate.

The Melvilles believe that a fine wine begins in the terroir or microclimate of a vineyard.