Winter 2026 Club Collection
Tasting notes by Chad Melville
2024 Estate Pinot Noir – Calera Clone
Small Lot Collection – Sta. Rita Hills
174 cases produced
This clone comes to us directly from Calera Vineyard, who in turn sourced the clone from the famed La Tâche Vineyard in Burgundy. While there are several versions of this clone, this section of Calera at Melville consistently produces ridiculously small berries and clusters, which equate to deep color, dark fruits, and an intense mouthfeel. This bottling hits all the marks. Notes of cinnamon bark and Earl Grey tea are integrated with bright acidity and a concentrated density. Pair with heartier dishes, like my favorite, duck cassoulet.
2024 Estate Pinot Noir – Rancho Nuevo
Small Lot Collection – Sta. Rita Hills
273 cases produced
The Rancho Nuevo seems to always find itself on the side of a more fruit-driven rather than savory wine. Yes, there are hints of green peppercorn, Indian spice and dried herbs, but it’s the ripe red fruits that seem to tip the scale. This wine comes with its signature bright acidity from the Sta. Rita Hills’ sandy loam soils and cold sunshine. Every year, this wine sings, and this vintage is no exception. Pair with dry-rubbed, grilled bone-in pork chop.
2024 Estate Pinot Noir – Terraces
Small Lot Collection – Sta. Rita Hills
472 cases produced
This block is exposed to the relentless cold winds coming straight off the Pacific Ocean. The vines work tirelessly to produce tiny berries on small clusters, which are the hallmark of this wine. Notes of raspberries, potpourri, coriander and red plums define this full-bodied wine that packs a punch with its concentration and structure. The 2024 Terraces is hitting its stride and will continue to do so for many years to come, making it one of the highlights of the vintage. Pair it with anything.
2023 Estate Grenache – Caden’s Block
Small Lot Collection – Sta. Rita Hills
123 cases produced
I love Grenache from cold climates for its ability to showcase the delicate side of an otherwise hearty grape. This wine is lifted with aromas of rose petals with a complex array of kirsch and strawberry, white pepper, flowers and incense. As you swirl, the wine continues to open and reveal its complexity and depth. For being 100% whole-cluster, the wine shows a soft yet assertive tannic profile. Pair with salty cheese or slow-cooked pork shoulder.
2023 Estate Syrah – Deep Cuts – Monopole Exclusive
Small Lot Collection – Sta. Rita Hills
58 cases produced
I’ve been conceptualizing this wine for nearly three decades. Albeit, mostly in my head, but nonetheless, it has been in the development stage all the while. True to the Deep Cuts mantra, we aged our pristine, 100% estate fruit with the finest new oak for two years on the lees using 100% whole cluster. The journey has led us here – to a pretty, lifted wine of beautiful complexity. It is dark, ethereal and mischievous…yet still soft and elegant with an intriguing texture. I’m very proud of this wine. Over years of tasting, visiting and studying the best Syrahs in the world, this is our interpretation. Pair with marinated grilled lamb with rosemary on riced potatoes.
