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 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 2021 Melville Pinot Noir Estate Santa Rita Hills is a red wine that showcases the exceptional quality and craftsmanship of this renowned California producer. With its elegant and refined characteristics, this wine is a true representation of the Pinot Noir varietal.

In the glass, the wine displays a translucent ruby color, inviting you to explore its complex aromas and flavors. On the nose, you'll discover a beautiful blend of peppery red and black cherry fruits, intertwined with notes of spring flowers, baking spices, and subtle briny, marine-like nuances. This aromatic profile sets the stage for a truly captivating tasting experience.

On the palate, the 2021 Melville Pinot Noir Estate Sta. Rita Hills unveils medium-bodied richness and a lively mouthfeel. The supple tannins and perfectly integrated acidity bring balance and harmony to the wine, enhancing its overall elegance. The flavors of juicy berry fruit flood the mouth, supported by fine, chalky tannins, creating a layered and textured sensation. The finish is long and satisfying, leaving a lasting impression on the palate.

Renowned wine critics have praised this wine for its exceptional quality. Jeb Dunnuck awarded it an impressive score of 93, comparing it to a top Premier Cru from Burgundy but at a fraction of the cost. Wine Enthusiast awarded it a score of 95, highlighting its fresh and complex aromas, firm texture, and classic expression of the appellation.

With a 14.0% alcohol content, this wine is well-balanced and showcases the true potential of Pinot Noir from the Santa Rita Hills appellation. It is recommended to enjoy this wine now or cellar it for 8-10 years, if not longer, to witness its graceful evolution.

The 2021 Melville Pinot Noir Estate Santa Rita Hills is a remarkable wine that exudes elegance, complexity, and finesse. It is a testament to the exceptional winemaking skills of Melville and a true gem from California's Central Coast.