JJB: $44.94 *
Melville’s impressive lineup of Sta Rita Hills Pinot is entirely centered around their estate vineyard, and their top releases come from distinct parcels within the sprawling property. We have an absolutely banging discount here on one of those cuvees, the ‘Anna’s Block’ Pinot Noir, which we have available for by far the lowest price of any vintage.
Out on the western side of the vineyard, Anna’s Block has both constant sunshine on the south-facing slope, but also a cooler microclimate coming off the Pacific, yielding smaller, more concentrated berries. A muscular style of Pinot with earth and spiced dark fruit, Anna’s Block is more akin to a Vosne Romanee than what we’re used to in California, with whole clusters adding spice and structure. Of course, it typically needs a few years sideways to really start showing, and the 2020 is just now hitting its stride.
The Melville Family picked up this property in 1996, and their timing was serendipitous. Their reputation has grown with the region, and they developed the estate into “one of the top vineyards in the Santa Rita Hills” (Parker). Chad Melville is the 2nd generation to head up the family business, and as the vineyard has reached maturity, so have the wines, with an increasing focus on freshness and complexity. Anna’s Block is typically north of $60, so we would definitely jump on this opportunity to try one of Melville’s most sought after Pinots, no patience required!
95+ points, Jeb Dunnuck: “The 2020 Pinot Noir Anna's Block is also brilliant, with crunchy black cherry and mulberry fruit as well as notes of iron, loamy earth, and darker herbs. This is a broader, more powerful, medium-bodied Pinot Noir offering beautiful tannins as well as outstanding balance. Fermented with 67% whole clusters and brought up in used barrels, it has tons of potential.”
94 points, Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate: “Medium ruby, the 2020 Pinot Noir Anna's Block offers layered fruit and earth aromas: cranberry sauce and blackberry preserves feature accents of aniseed, mossy bark, forest floor and mushrooms. The palate is medium-bodied and light on its feet with bright acidity and a gently chalky frame and finishes with concentrated flavors and loads of spicy accents. This bright, elegant Pinot is ideal for the table.”
*Offer publication date June 10, 2026. Pricing and availability subject to change.
