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2016 Melville Block M Pinot Noir

Removed from a subterranean wine cellar; Purchased upon release; Consignor is original owner

6 available
Bid *
Ends Sunday, 7pm Pacific

RATINGS

97Wine Enthusiast

Extremely fresh and pungent aromas of smashed strawberries are enhanced by white pepper dust, whole green peppercorns, wet tobacco leaf and the smell of a dewy morning... The palate is simply stunning with juniper and pine-needle elements that slip into rich yet tart cherry and baked raspberry, proving extremely dynamic and lovely all around.

95+ Jeb Dunnuck

...a darker, slightly smoky style in its black raspberry, ground herbs, and earthy aromas and flavors...with a vibrant texture, perfect balance and present tannins...

94Vinous / IWC

Dense, powerful...has the most overt density...a potent, naturally concentrated wine.

93+ The Wine Advocate

...with aromas of cherry preserve, hard candy, herbs and wood smoke. On the palate, it's full-bodied, concentrated and textural, with a deep core of fruit and a firm chassis of fine-grained tannins.

91Wine Spectator

Suave and supple, with mouthfilling flavors of dried currant, sandalwood and berry tart. Lengthens out nicely midpalate and finishes with plenty of rich cedar and spice accents.

PRODUCER

Melville

Melville Vineyards is in the Sta. Rita Hills appellation of California’s Central Coast. It was established in 1996 when Ron Melville, a businessman, developed 82 acres of vineyards in Lompoc, in the western Santa Ynez Valley. He later purchased more land in Santa Barbara County. The winemaker is Greg Brewer, who is also co-owner of Brewer-Clifton winery. The estate has 139 acres of vineyard planted to Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Syrah and Viognier.

REGION

United States, California, South 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.

VINTAGE

2016 Melville Block M Pinot Noir