Fall ’22 Club wines
Drum roll please….we’re jumping in the leaves excited to introduce you to the Fall ’22 Club Wines! We have three new releases for all member levels, plus one exclusive wine for Monopole members in this collection. Shipments go out by FedEx starting Monday, October 24th. For access to exclusive wines and so much more…become a Melville member! Join here.
Shop Anna’s Block here
2020 Estate Pinot Noir – Anna’s Block
(95+ points!)
Small Lot Collection – Santa Rita Hills
Gentle slope with even ripening – leads to a perfumed and inviting palate.
Over on the westside lies Anna’s Block, planted in 2001 on a gentle southern slope in the northwest portion of the vineyard. This area is one of our most even-ripening blocks as the rows are planted in a north-south orientation, receiving a consistent exposure to the cold-climate sun. The soil is a well-drained and low nutrient sandy loam, causing the vines to work incredibly hard to survive. This stress, combined with our targeted care and attention, leads Anna’s to produce small clusters and small berries, which equates to concentrated fruit that is exquisitely perfumed and inviting. Planted to two different Dijon clones working well in tandem, Clone 667 is known for producing high-quality wines in Burgundy and brings intense color, structure, depth and age ability, while the earlier ripening Clone 114 offers richness and stuffing. 67% whole cluster.
Tasting Notes: A stunning crimson colored pinot noir, Anna’s overflows with baked strawberries, red cassis, and fig on the nose, followed by newly fallen autumn leaves and nutmeg. This elegant wine shows cooked cranberries and brie rind, with a touch of foraged mushrooms. The silky, soft textures and bright freshness makes Anna’s a wonderful complement to baked salmon, smoked trout, and pork tenderloin.
2021 Estate Pinot Noir – Rancho Nuevo
Shop Rancho Nuevo here
Small Lot Collection – Sta. Rita Hills – Wine Club Exclusive
“New ranch” delivering intense flavors and high acidity for over 15 years.
Rancho Nuevo might literally translate to “new ranch,” but it’s been a part of our vineyard profile for over 15 years now. Sitting southwest across Highway 246, these Rancho vines are planted on a gradual slope, atop sandy loam soil. Though the soil was quite sterile when first planted, it has improved greatly over time through extensive cover cropping and the resultant build-up of organic matter. Rancho Nuevo lies at a lower elevation to the south of the winery, and closer to the Pacific Ocean, making it a significantly cooler environment to our already cold-climate designation. This translates to later bud-break and ripening each year, allowing for gorgeous flavor development and acidity ripeness. This site is home to Pinot Noir clones 943, 459, 828, Mt. Eden, Pommard, and Calera.
Tasting Notes: This beautiful, deep red currant colored pinot noir shows cooked black cherries, cooling menthol and mandarin orange on the nose, with a kiss of graham cracker rounding it off. The palate displays ripe, rich black cherries and exotic spices such as star anise, followed by fresh tobacco leaves. The richness of the wine is balanced with that lovely Sta. Rita Hills vibrancy, and pairs divinely with duck breast and cherry compôte, carnitas or Rabbit Sugo.
Shop Donna’s Block here
2020 Estate Syrah – Donna’s Block
Small Lot Collection – Sta. Rita Hills
Sandy soil, cold wind and sun = concentrated high-toned aromatics.
Donna’s Block sits on a small 3.6-acre section located in the northeast portion of our vineyard composed of sandy soil – think beach sand minus the umbrella. This block endures an incredibly long and exposed growing season within the Sta. Rita Hills cold-climate wind and sun. Grown in this inhospitable climate, it can be challenging to get syrah to fully ripen, but with our supportive organic farming methods, we are able to nurture this delicate block and find it produces a syrah that is stylistically elegant and intriguing. Planted to equal parts Clone 1 and Estrella selection in twenty feet of well-drained and nutrient deficient sandy soils, this block results in a wine of great depth and concentration along with high-toned and hypnotic aromatics. 100% whole cluster.
Tasting Notes: Donna’s is an extraordinary achievement, walking a fine line between power and grace. An intoxicating bouquet of red and purple florals, and savory herbs permeate the glass with that iconic freshly cracked white peppercorn punch. The wine glides across the palate with stewed black plums, blackberries, Spanish olives, and peppered bacon. Sandy-like tannins and racy acidity bring all the flavors together in symphony. Pair Donna’s with braised lamb shank or short ribs.
2019 Estate Syrah – Cuvée Valerie
Shop Valerie Syrah here
Small Lot Collection – Sta. Rita Hills – Monopole Exclusive
A special syrah for a long-time Melville VIP.
This season, we have named our exclusive Monopole syrah after our beloved tasting room manager Valerie, who has been with Melville since May of 2006 (16 years!) Valerie has been committed, enthusiastic, and passionate in representing Melville through the years, and we are honored to recognize her efforts through this special bottling of syrah…her favorite varietal. For a Valerie-style cold-climate syrah, we’ve fermented with 66% whole-cluster, to enhance the spicy and herbal notes, tannins and textural qualities, creating a very special wine we know Valerie will love…and hope you do too.
Tasting Notes: A special treat for all Melville syrah lovers, the nose on this wine explodes once the cork is popped. Smoked brisket, coriander, sage and crushed pink peppercorns flood the glass along with lavender and cooked blueberries. On the palate you will find a creamy, smile-inducing texture, while dark chocolate, coffee, blueberry, and olive tapenade coat the mouth. This instant classic is a little naughty, like sneaking an extra chocolate truffle while nobody is looking. Pair this wine with a grilled bone-in ribeye and fireside conversation.
