This is a predominantly Tone & Backbone wine, but it shares structural nuances of Smooth & Silky as described in the tasting note below.
Tasting Notes
Medium plus bodied with plus acidity and pronounced tannin, this wine shares characteristics of both Tone & Backbone and Smooth & Silky. It unfolds with ripe black and red cherry fruit, fresh wild herbs, subtle rose, mineral, and cola on the lengthy finish.
Tightly wound yet elegant. Some patience will be greatly rewarded
GRAPE VARIETAL(S)
Pinot Noir
100%Pee-NO NWAR
Pinot Noir is arguably the most revered grape variety in the world with origins in Burgundy, France where the best expressions can still be found. Pinot Noir is not only a tough grape to grow, it also shows miniscule differences in terroir arguably more than any other grape variety. Stylistically, it is generally higher in acid and lower in tannin but can vary depending on the location, and winemaking technique. It is very versatile with food, and shows a range of flavor from red and black fruit, floral, spice, earth, and mineral qualities.
Melville is a family-run winery that moved from Sonoma to the Santa Ynez valley in 1996 with the goal of making cool-climate pinot noir, chardonnay, and syrah. They were an early believer in the area’s promise, seeing the opportunity in this special terroir.
The estate consists of 120 acres of vineyards in the western Santa Rita Hills, ten miles from the ocean. The vineyards benefit from morning and afternoon fog, afternoon breezes, and cool evenings that prolong the growing season and intensity of flavor in the grapes.
The low-yielding and high-density vines are vinified in small lots to retain their site-specific character before blending. The wines display great fruit intensity and structure, achieving balance with wonderful energy and persistence.