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.

The 2022 Melville Chardonnay Estate Santa Rita Hills is a stunning example of California Chardonnay at its finest. With its vibrant golden hue and enticing aromas, this wine is sure to captivate both the novice and experienced wine lover alike.

On the nose, the wine reveals a complex bouquet of ripe tropical fruits, including pineapple and mango, intertwined with delicate floral notes of honeysuckle and jasmine. These aromas are complemented by hints of vanilla and toasted oak, which add a touch of elegance and depth to the overall profile.

Upon the first sip, the wine showcases a remarkable balance between richness and freshness. The palate is greeted with luscious flavors of ripe pear, apple, and citrus, which are beautifully supported by a backbone of crisp acidity. The creamy texture adds a luxurious mouthfeel, while the well-integrated oak provides additional layers of complexity.

The 2022 Melville Chardonnay Estate Santa Rita Hills is a prime example of the Santa Barbara appellation's unique terroir. The cool maritime influence of the Pacific Ocean and the sandy loam soils of the Santa Rita Hills sub-appellation contribute to the wine's distinct character and exceptional quality.

This Chardonnay is crafted by Melville, a renowned producer known for their commitment to sustainable farming practices and meticulous winemaking techniques. Their dedication to quality is evident in every sip of this exceptional wine.

With an alcohol percentage of 13.1%, this wine is wonderfully balanced and versatile. It can be enjoyed on its own as a refreshing aperitif or paired with a variety of dishes, such as grilled seafood, roasted chicken, or creamy pasta dishes.

In conclusion, the 2022 Melville Chardonnay Estate Santa Rita Hills is a true gem that showcases the best of California Chardonnay. Its vibrant flavors, elegant aromas, and impeccable craftsmanship make it a must-try for any wine enthusiast.