The fruit for this wine comes exclusively from Melville’s Sta. Rita Hills estate and is a combination of two different Syrah clones (Estrella and Clone 99). The Estrella is from Donna’s block which is planted on well-drained, nutrient-deficient sand. The neutrality of that soil always lends an intoxicating, high-toned bouquet of flowers and spice while the Clone 99 from Block I is planted on denser sandy-loam soil, bringing depth and richness.

70% of the fruit is gently de-stemmed with 30% remaining as whole clusters. It’s all fermented in small 1.5 ton open top fermenters. Total skin and stem contact average 30 days (7 day cold soak, 2+ weeks fermentation, and 1+ week extended maceration). From the press, the wine is transferred directly to neutral barrels (5-20 year old French oak) where it remains sur lie with no sulfur until May, when it is gently pressure racked for the first time and prepared for bottling in August.

The 2019 Melville Sta. Rita Hills Syrah Estate is a well-regarded wine from the Santa Rita Hills sub-appellation in Santa Barbara, California. This Syrah, produced by Melville, showcases the rich and diverse flavors typical of the region. It has a 13.8% alcohol content and is sealed with a cork closure.

James Suckling awarded this wine a score of 92, noting its "aromas and flavors of strawberries, together with cloves, black pepper and dried flowers." He described it as "transparent and crisp" with a "medium body" and a "pretty texture and a fruity finish." Suckling concluded that it is ready to drink now (jamessuckling.com, 4/5/2023).

Jeb Dunnuck also gave the wine a 92, highlighting its "ruby/plum color" and "peppery notes of red and black fruits, tapenade, and gamey meats." Dunnuck praised its "supple, elegant texture, nicely integrated acidity, and a great finish," noting that it is already drinking nicely but will keep for another 4-6 years (jebdunnuck.com, 8/26/2021).

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate rated the wine slightly higher at 93, describing it as having a "medium ruby-purple color" and "bursting with blackberry jam and blueberry aromas." The review mentioned "broody tones of cast iron, chargrill, aniseed and dried herbs" and praised its "balance of bright berry accents and savory, earthy tones." The wine has "finely grained tannins, notable freshness and lift, and a long, herbal finish" (Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 3/15/2022).

Vinous scored the wine 94 and described it as "intensely bold and savory." Antonio Galloni noted that it has a "huge bouquet" with "black pepper, leather, lavender, spice and juniper berry." He called it a "cool-climate Syrah of impact and depth" and predicted that a few years in bottle will only enhance its quality (Vinous, 10/1/2021).

Wine & Spirits provided the highest score of 95, commending Chad Melville’s low-intervention winemaking approach. The review praised its "wildly exotic aromas" of "lavender, violets, plum, smoked tea, olive and, above all, pepper." The flavors are described as "exotic, lush and herbal" with a "creamy texture and fine leafy tannins." The reviewer concluded that it is "elegant and long" and is drinking beautifully now but would also be fascinating to follow as it ages (Wine & Spirits, 2/1/2022).

Overall, the 2019 Melville Sta. Rita Hills Syrah Estate is a complex and well-balanced wine that has received high praise from multiple reviewers, making it a standout choice for Syrah enthusiasts.