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2017 Melville Sandy's Block Pinot Noir

Not Currently In Auction

Latest Sale Price

April 9, 2023 - $36

Estimate

RATINGS

95Wine Enthusiast

Intensely candied Bing cherry aromas meet with strong herbal influence, from bay leaf to green peppercorns, on the nose of this fruity spice bomb. The palate explodes with flavors of raspberry and ripe cherry, as eucalyptus-tea tones linger deep into the finish.

95Jeb Dunnuck

Rocking notes of ripe strawberries, autumn forest floor, salt brine, and Asian spice notes all emerge from this gorgeous effort, which is medium-bodied, with a silky texture and a fabulous finish. Complex, layered, and lengthy...

94Vinous / IWC

...dazzles with its interplay of floral/savory aromatics and bright red/purplish berry fruit. Sage, mint, blood orange, spice and star anise add striking layers of nuance to this super-expressive Pinot.

93The Wine Advocate

...layered nose, featuring cracked pepper, dried rose petal and amaro over crushed red and black berries, rhubarb, cranberry, dried tobacco leaf and an underlying herbal tone. Medium-bodied with earthy and herbal-tinged fruits...grainy tannins and juicy freshness, finishing long and spicy.

REGION

United States, California, Central Coast, Santa Barbara County, Santa Rita Hills

Santa Rita Hills AVA in northern Santa Barbara County was granted appellation status in 2001. Located between the towns of Lompoc and Buellton, it has a total area of 30,720 acres with 2,700 vineyard acres. The area is considered a cool climate for vineyards, so vineyards are most often planted with the cool-weather grapes Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The hills in the western part of this appellation are directly exposed to the Pacific Ocean, meaning that maritime winds and fog make the western edge of the Santa Rita Hills AVA particularly cool. The Sanford & Benedict Vineyard planted in 1971 was the first vineyard in the district and is still considered one of the best.

TYPE

Red Wine, Pinot Noir

This red wine is relatively light and can pair with a wide variety of foods. The grape prefers cooler climates and the wine is most often associated with Burgundy, Champagne and the U.S. west coast. Regional differences make it nearly as fickle as it is flexible.