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2018 Melville Sta. Rita Hills Syrah

Not Currently In Auction

Latest Sale Price

June 9, 2024 - $29

Estimate

RATINGS

95Wine Enthusiast

Extreme amounts of cracked black pepper spice up the crumbled lilac, dark-black-plum and snappy red-currant aromas on the dynamic nose of this cool-climate bottling. There's a wild zestiness to the palate, where the peppery spice plays well with black-raspberry, lavender and rosemary flavors.

93Vinous / IWC

...very pretty and delicate. Whole clusters add striking aromatic top notes redolent of dried flowers, mint and herbs. In the glass, the Estate is gracious and light on its feet. Silky tannins add to a feeling of understatement and finesse.

92The Wine Advocate

...bright, lifted scents of cracked pepper and mint with touches of olive and tar and a core of fresh blue and black fruits...palate is concentrated, layered, fresh and lifted with a ripe, grainy frame and long finish.

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, 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, Syrah (Shiraz)

This grape is grown in milder climates and produces a medium-to full-bodied wine. It is also known as Shiraz, but should not be confused with Petit Sirah, which was developed by crossing Syrah with Peloursin.