In the glass, Melville Estate Pinot Noir 2021 reveals a captivating ruby hue that instantly entices the senses. The aromatics are an elegant dance of rose petals, ripe red plums, warm cloves, and a zesty hint of orange zest. This enticing bouquet sets the stage for a sensory journey that promises to be delightful.

Upon the first sip, the palate is greeted by a rush of flavors that race across the entire mouth. Bing cherry, raspberry, and blackberry form a vibrant chorus, complemented by delicate notes of black tea and tarragon, adding complexity to the experience. The wine’s texture is harmoniously wrapped in a backbone of silky tannins, which provide a luxurious and refined mouthfeel. Energetic acidity adds a touch of liveliness, enhancing the wine’s verve and inviting further exploration of its layers of taste.

Crafted solely from Melville fruit sourced from their esteemed Sta. Rita Hills estate, this wine is a true representation of their winemaking expertise. The vines, with an impressive age of 25 years, thrive in sandy loam soil, imparting a distinctive terroir expression to the wine.

Winemaker Chad Melville’s meticulous approach shines through the production process. Seventeen Pinot Noir clones contribute to the wine’s complexity, with 40% of the fruit undergoing whole-cluster fermentation and the remaining 60% gently de-stemmed in small open-top fermenters. The resulting blend of techniques creates a wine with excellent balance and structure. After an extended maceration period, the wine is transferred to neutral French oak barrels, where it ages sur lie without sulfur until the final preparation for bottling.

The critical acclaims received by this vintage further validate its exceptional quality. Wine Enthusiast awarded it an impressive 95 points, praising its fresh and complex nose, firm texture, and classic expression of the appellation. Wine Advocate followed suit with 94 points, noting its alluring aromas and layered finish. Jeb Dunnuck bestowed 93 points, comparing it to a top Premier Cru from Burgundy, affirming its exceptional value.

In conclusion, Melville Estate Pinot Noir 2021 is a graceful and enticing wine that showcases the Sta. Rita Hills terroir and the mastery of the Melville winemaking team. With its floral aromas, vibrant fruit flavors, and seamless structure, this wine promises to age beautifully over the years, making it a worthy addition to any wine enthusiast’s collection.