Melville
Block M - 0 Stems Pinot Noir
Sta. Rita Hills, Central Coast, California, USA
This is a really interesting incarnation of Melville’s Block M. The regular 2014 had some stem inclusion (25%, I think, but I’m not sure about that fraction). As a small lot experiment, Greg Brewer produced a small amount absent the stem inclusion. Fascinating difference. Whereas the regular has a distinctive earthy undercurrent, this one is all about the fruit. Not in a jammy sense, but some really spectacular St Rita Hills aromatics that’s less structured than the regular bottling. By dropping the temp down a few degrees, you get a really interesting, profound flavor profile driven by the acidity of the fruit (as opposed to the added tannins from the stems). Probably doesn’t have the longevity of the regular bottling, but is drinking beautifully right now.
This is a really interesting incarnation of Melville’s Block M. The regular 2014 had some stem inclusion (25%, I think, but I’m not sure about that fraction). As a small lot experiment, Greg Brewer produced a small amount absent the stem inclusion. Fascinating difference. Whereas the regular has a distinctive earthy undercurrent, this one is all about the fruit. Not in a jammy sense, but some really spectacular St Rita Hills aromatics that’s less structured than the regular bottling. By dropping the temp down a few degrees, you get a really interesting, profound flavor profile driven by the acidity of the fruit (as opposed to the added tannins from the stems). Probably doesn’t have the longevity of the regular bottling, but is drinking beautifully right now.
Jul 15th, 2019
