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.

Block M is a windswept mesa on the west side of Melville estate, lying adjacent to their Terraces block. Sitting atop a sun exposed mesa with several feet of botella clay soil, the extremity of Block M is enhanced by the gravitational pull of three exposed sides, forcing the roots to search deeper for sustenance.

Block M is made up of equal amounts of clones 114 and 115. The lesser known 114 is lush, velvety and textural with an elegantly pliant internal core, while clone 115 delivers fruit at a higher pitch and a more structurally pronounced personality. The marriage of these complementary components is what renders Melville’s Block M bottling so complete. 30% of the fruit is gently de-stemmed with 70% remaining as whole clusters.

Introducing the exquisite 2021 Melville Pinot Noir Block M, a captivating red wine that embodies the spirit of California's Central Coast. Produced by the esteemed Melville winery in the renowned Santa Rita Hills appellation of Santa Barbara, this Pinot Noir is a true representation of the region's terroir and winemaking prowess.

In the glass, the wine reveals a radiant red color that entices with its vibrancy and depth. The aromas that waft from the glass are nothing short of enchanting. Immerse your senses in the delicate scents of terra-cotta and strawberries, which intertwine harmoniously. Hibiscus notes dance alongside, adding an exotic touch, while hints of white pepper and subtle spices like clove and cardamom provide a captivating complexity.

On the palate, the 2021 Melville Pinot Noir Block M showcases its impressive structure and intensity. Medium- to full-bodied, this wine displays a remarkable balance between power and finesse. The texture is both chewy and agile, displaying the wine's agility and ability to captivate the palate. The flavors of black tea and lavender add an intriguing floral aspect to the wine, creating a multi-dimensional tasting experience.

Renowned wine critic James Suckling awarded this wine an outstanding score of 95 points, praising its clear aromas and energetic character. Suckling also commended its excellent aging potential, suggesting that it can be enjoyed now or cellared for further development.

Wine & Spirits magazine also joined in praising the 2021 Melville Pinot Noir Block M, awarding it an impressive score of 94 points. The publication highlighted the wine's stylish nature and its chiseled, black-fruited qualities. They also noted the linear textural thrust and potential for cellaring, further emphasizing the wine's exceptional quality.

With its alluring aromas, impeccable structure, and critical acclaim, the 2021 Melville Pinot Noir Block M is a true gem of the Santa Rita Hills. Indulge in this remarkable wine now or cellar it to witness its evolution and complexity unfold. This is a wine that will undoubtedly elevate any occasion and leave a lasting impression on all who have the pleasure of experiencing it.