Unearthing exceptional wines with sky-high scores is our passion, and when we find one that shatters expectations on price, it's a thrill to share. Melville's 2021 Estate Syrah, boasting a remarkable 96 points, delivers a tasting experience far beyond its $40 price point. This kind of score-to-value ratio is a rare gem, a testament to the sheer excellence found within every bottle.
Ron Melville and his family have been farming high quality grapes for over 30 years. After finding success in Sonoma County, Ron's desire to grow cold-climate Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Syrah brought Melville Vineyards to the Sta. Rita Hills. The Sta. Rita Hills AVA is unique, as it is one of the few grape growing regions in California whose valley runs west to east. In doing so, the cooling air from the Pacific Ocean is able to rush through the area, keeping the daily temperatures low, and providing a long growing season that maximizes flavors. The soils at Melville are a mix of sand and clay, giving Syrah beautiful aromatics combined with ripe, but not overpowering fruit. In addition, Melville plants their vines at a denser spacing than most. In doing so, root systems must compete, inhibiting rigorous growth, naturally lowering yields and furthering the development of flavor and concentration. Farming at Melville is sustainable at a minimum, but often done organically.
Melville has become a nucleus for Rhone varietals from Santa Rita Hills. After studying at U.C. Davis, Chad Melville, who manages the family's estate vineyards, focused on giving the family's winemaker the best fruit he could possibly produce. In turn, the Melville wines received high scores and rave reviews year-in and year-out.
Now, Chad Melville has taken over the winemaking duties for the family's winery, and the scores are just as lofty, if not even more so! Their estate Syrah has always been one of our favorite "go-to" small-production Syrahs from California, but given this 96 point score from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, we're not sure how long it's going to be around; so you'd better get it while you can!
ROBERT PARKER'S WINE ADVOCATE 96 POINTS - "The 2021 Syrah Estate, vinified with 40% whole clusters, has a medium to deep ruby color and pretty aromatic nuances of peppercorn, earth, mint and cocoa and a core of blueberry and blackberry fruit. The medium-bodied palate is concentrated and detailed with chalky tannins, sparks of mouthwatering acidity and a long, fragrant finish. Aromatically complex and structurally harmonious, it has plenty more to offer as it unwinds in bottle over the next 3-5 years. 1,023 cases produced."
Ron Melville and his family have been farming high quality grapes for over 30 years. After finding success in Sonoma County, Ron's desire to grow cold-climate Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Syrah brought Melville Vineyards to the Sta. Rita Hills. The Sta. Rita Hills AVA is unique, as it is one of the few grape growing regions in California whose valley runs west to east. In doing so, the cooling air from the Pacific Ocean is able to rush through the area, keeping the daily temperatures low, and providing a long growing season that maximizes flavors. The soils at Melville are a mix of sand and clay, giving Syrah beautiful aromatics combined with ripe, but not overpowering fruit. In addition, Melville plants their vines at a denser spacing than most. In doing so, root systems must compete, inhibiting rigorous growth, naturally lowering yields and furthering the development of flavor and concentration. Farming at Melville is sustainable at a minimum, but often done organically.
Melville has become a nucleus for Rhone varietals from Santa Rita Hills. After studying at U.C. Davis, Chad Melville, who manages the family's estate vineyards, focused on giving the family's winemaker the best fruit he could possibly produce. In turn, the Melville wines received high scores and rave reviews year-in and year-out.
Now, Chad Melville has taken over the winemaking duties for the family's winery, and the scores are just as lofty, if not even more so! Their estate Syrah has always been one of our favorite "go-to" small-production Syrahs from California, but given this 96 point score from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, we're not sure how long it's going to be around; so you'd better get it while you can!
ROBERT PARKER'S WINE ADVOCATE 96 POINTS - "The 2021 Syrah Estate, vinified with 40% whole clusters, has a medium to deep ruby color and pretty aromatic nuances of peppercorn, earth, mint and cocoa and a core of blueberry and blackberry fruit. The medium-bodied palate is concentrated and detailed with chalky tannins, sparks of mouthwatering acidity and a long, fragrant finish. Aromatically complex and structurally harmonious, it has plenty more to offer as it unwinds in bottle over the next 3-5 years. 1,023 cases produced."
