This is 100% Melville fruit from their Sta. Rita Hills estate, and is a collection of 16 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 averages 30 days (7 day cold soak, 2 + weeks of fermentation and 1 + week extended maceration). From the press, the wine is transferred directly into neutral barrels (10+ year old French oak), where it remains sur lie without sulfur until June, when it is gently racked for the first time and prepared for bottling in August.

The 2012 Melville Pinot Noir Estate from Santa Rita Hills is an intriguing red wine hailing from the renowned Central Coast region of California. This Pinot Noir, crafted by the esteemed producer Melville, presents a complex profile appreciated by both Wine Spectator and Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, though with differing perspectives.

Wine Spectator awarded this vintage a score of 88, describing it as featuring "fruity strawberry, cherry, and raspberry notes" that are both "firm and inviting." The review notes that these fruit flavors "gain depth and persistence," though it also mentions the wine finishes with "gripping tannins and a stemmy note." This suggests a wine that has a solid structure and a slightly earthy finish, perfect for consumption now or cellaring until 2022.

Conversely, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate offered a more enthusiastic review, awarding the wine an impressive score of 92. Jeb Dunnuck from the publication described the 2012 Melville Pinot Noir as a "smoking value," highlighting its composition of 40% whole cluster fermentation and 11 months aging in neutral oak. Dunnuck praised the wine's "beautiful cherry blossom, pepper, white flowers, and hints of underbrush," along with its "rich, layered and impressively textured feel on the palate." He emphasizes the exceptional quality for the price, urging readers to acquire this vintage.

Overall, the 2012 Melville Pinot Noir Estate from Santa Rita Hills is a well-regarded wine that balances fruit-forward notes with subtle complexity. While Wine Spectator points out its structured tannins, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate celebrates its layered texture and aromatic profile. This Pinot Noir offers a compelling choice for both immediate enjoyment and short-term aging.