91 points,

Stephen Tanzer's IWC, December 2012

Bright yellow-gold. Musky pit fruits on the nose, brightened by subtle anise and floral scents. Chewy, faintly bitter orange pith, peach and tarragon flavors are broad and deep but are brightened by a dusty mineral nuance. Finishes with very good breadth and a lingering note of bitter herbs.

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.