This was part of a series that Greg Brewer bottled at Melville back in the early 2000s. At that time Melville had 14 different clones under vine, I believe. The Estate was a variable blend of some fraction of these, but being a student of pinot Greg thought it would be cool to bottle a bunch of the clones as single-clone offering to people who might geek out about trying to identify different clonal components in the various main offerings, trying some blending at home, etc. (basically, me as the target audience). I was stunned at how well this wine is still drinking after 14+ years. Beautiful, deep ruby-red color, the wine still had an impressive amount of fruit, great balance, and that tell-tale spiciness that is characteristic of wines from their Santa Rita Hills vineyards. Really terrific!
This was part of a series that Greg Brewer bottled at Melville back in the early 2000s. At that time Melville had 14 different clones under vine, I believe. The Estate was a variable blend of some fraction of these, but being a student of pinot Greg thought it would be cool to bottle a bunch of the clones as single-clone offering to people who might geek out about trying to identify different clonal components in the various main offerings, trying some blending at home, etc. (basically, me as the target audience). I was stunned at how well this wine is still drinking after 14+ years. Beautiful, deep ruby-red color, the wine still had an impressive amount of fruit, great balance, and that tell-tale spiciness that is characteristic of wines from their Santa Rita Hills vineyards. Really terrific!
Feb 19th, 2021Impressive wine from Melville, this is a single clone version, one of 14 clones that I believe they have on the property (although my info dates back to when Greg Brewer was still making their wines). Not as complex as their Estate blend or Small Lot offerings, this one still packs a punch with layers of candied strawberry, red currants, and asian spice. Still has an impressive backbone for something approaching 10 years old (although if memory serves 2010 was a cooler vintage). Terrific wine.
Impressive wine from Melville, this is a single clone version, one of 14 clones that I believe they have on the property (although my info dates back to when Greg Brewer was still making their wines). Not as complex as their Estate blend or Small Lot offerings, this one still packs a punch with layers of candied strawberry, red currants, and asian spice. Still has an impressive backbone for something approaching 10 years old (although if memory serves 2010 was a cooler vintage). Terrific wine.
Apr 9th, 2020
Sta. Rita Hills, Central Coast, California, USA
