In 1996, founder Ron Melville's desire to grow cold-climate Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Syrah brought him to the Sta. Rita Hills where he established his winery, situated amongst the beautiful rolling hills where the grapes are grown exclusively in their three estate vineyards.

Melville currently has 120 acres under vine. The soil is mostly Lompoc dune sand, interspersed with clay loam and shallow hard pans of Monterey shale. The estate currently has 16 clones of Pinot Noir, 9 clones of Syrah, and 6 clones of Chardonnay - all on a variety of low-vigor rootstocks. All blocks are fermented in small lots and isolated through their entire period of elevage, which provides Melville’s team with an ongoing exhibition of how they can fine tune vineyard practices in order to achieve the most unmanipulated and site-specific wines possible.

Melville “grows their flavors,” using no new oak and adding only yeast.

This wine is 100% from Melville’s Sta. Rita Hills estate and is a combination of clones 4, 76, and 95, along with Mount Eden, Hanzell, Hudson, Wente and Melville selections. The estate’s chardonnay is planted predominantly on the west side of their estate where they have several different types of sandy soil.

Because the west side receives the brunt of brutal, ocean winds and has only poor soils, Melville feels their chardonnay always captures the vibrancy, minerality, and concentrated flavors that are hallmarks of their appellation. Fruit is harvested by hand then gently whole-cluster pressed, cold settled overnight and transferred by gravity to barrel for fermentation in neutral French oak barrels (10 to 20 years old), with zero malolactic conversion. Sur lie aging takes place without any lees disturbance.

Introducing the 2021 Melville Chardonnay Estate Santa Rita Hills, a captivating white wine that showcases the exceptional quality of California's Central Coast region. With its elegant character and exquisite flavors, this Chardonnay is truly a gem crafted by the renowned producer, Melville.

In the glass, the wine displays a radiant golden hue, hinting at the lusciousness that awaits. The nose is immediately greeted by enticing aromas of white peaches and quince, accompanied by savory undertones of salted almonds, meringue, and lemon peel. This aromatic symphony is a testament to the wine's complexity and attention to detail.

On the palate, the 2021 Melville Chardonnay Estate unveils its true brilliance. Medium-bodied and concentrated, it offers a beautifully rounded and layered texture that dances across the taste buds. Delicate notes of honeyed minerality intertwine with the classic Sta. Rita Hills salty citrus-like fruit, creating a harmonious balance that is both refreshing and deeply satisfying.

The wine's refreshing acidity adds a vibrant edge to the flavor profile, enhancing the slow unfurling of savory layers. Clean lines of lychee, lime, soft melon, and pineapple dominate the palate, creating a generous and multi-dimensional experience. The finish is long and memorable, driven by a pleasing touch of anchoring texture that lingers on the tongue.

Accolades have poured in for the 2021 Melville Chardonnay Estate, with wine critic Jeb Dunnuck awarding it an impressive score of 94. Dunnuck describes it as a cool-climate Chardonnay that exudes elegance and offers terrific value. Robert Parker's Wine Advocate concurs, bestowing a remarkable score of 96 and praising its concentration, expansive nature, and intense yet appealing character.

With only 1,632 cases produced, this limited-edition Chardonnay is a true treasure for wine enthusiasts seeking a white wine that embodies the essence of Santa Barbara's Santa Rita Hills appellation. Serve it slightly chilled to fully savor its magnificence, and pair it with buttery seafood dishes, roasted chicken, or creamy risotto for an unforgettable gastronomic experience. The 2021 Melville Chardonnay Estate Santa Rita Hills is a testament to the artistry and passion of Melville, making it a must-have addition to any wine lover's collection.