On the west side of the Melville property, the three undulating slopes of Terraces are planted on clay-rich loam and calcareous shale soils totaling 4.9 acres. The combined sections wrap 120 degrees around Block M on the mesa above and face west, lying completely exposed to the elements, enduring severe wind pressure, several different sun exposures and challenging drainage issues. Planted to five different clones of Pinot Noir: Swan, Mount Eden, 115, 667 and 777, resulting in a unique combination of older California field selections and newer Dijonnaise clonal material. 50% of the fruit was gently de-stemmed with 50% remaining as whole clusters.
ANTONIO GALLONI 96 POINTS - "The 2022 Pinot Noir Estate Terraces is a blend of three parcels that are mostly west-facing. It offers generous dark fruit and the natural breadth conferred by clay-rich soils. Of note, this is the only Melville Pinot with Swan clone. Black cherry fruit, lavender, licorice, plum and gravel infuse the palate with notable depth. The 60% stems are pretty much buried by the sheer intensity of the fruit. What a gorgeous wine this is."
JEB DUNNUCK 94 POINTS - "Lots of framboise, wild strawberry, spice, and floral notes emerge from the 2022 Pinot Noir Terraces, a classic, complex Sta. Rita Hills effort that picks up more marine and salty sea breeze-like nuances with time in the glass. Balanced and medium-bodied, with the vintage’s more fruit-forward style, it stays nicely focused, has ripe tannins, and a great finish. It's already hard to resist, yet I see no reason it shouldn't evolve gracefully for a decade. The 2022 saw 60% whole cluster and all neutral wood, hitting 12.8% alcohol and a pH of 3.66."
ROBERT PARKER'S WINE ADVOCATE 94 POINTS - "The most alluring and complex Pinot Noir in the range, the 2022 Pinot Noir Terraces emerges from a trio of windswept blocks at Melville West, fermented with 60% whole clusters. The nose combines qualities found in other Pinot Noirs of the lineup, combining dark fruits, exotic spices, dried flowers and herbal energy with an enhanced degree of burly, sturdy power. The palate is silky and saturated yet retains a beautiful vibrancy, finishing with a coiled, tannic finish rendered with impressive clarity. This will significantly benefit from a year or two of softening but is a lovely testimony to the increasingly refined winemaking at Melville."
ANTONIO GALLONI 96 POINTS - "The 2022 Pinot Noir Estate Terraces is a blend of three parcels that are mostly west-facing. It offers generous dark fruit and the natural breadth conferred by clay-rich soils. Of note, this is the only Melville Pinot with Swan clone. Black cherry fruit, lavender, licorice, plum and gravel infuse the palate with notable depth. The 60% stems are pretty much buried by the sheer intensity of the fruit. What a gorgeous wine this is."
JEB DUNNUCK 94 POINTS - "Lots of framboise, wild strawberry, spice, and floral notes emerge from the 2022 Pinot Noir Terraces, a classic, complex Sta. Rita Hills effort that picks up more marine and salty sea breeze-like nuances with time in the glass. Balanced and medium-bodied, with the vintage’s more fruit-forward style, it stays nicely focused, has ripe tannins, and a great finish. It's already hard to resist, yet I see no reason it shouldn't evolve gracefully for a decade. The 2022 saw 60% whole cluster and all neutral wood, hitting 12.8% alcohol and a pH of 3.66."
ROBERT PARKER'S WINE ADVOCATE 94 POINTS - "The most alluring and complex Pinot Noir in the range, the 2022 Pinot Noir Terraces emerges from a trio of windswept blocks at Melville West, fermented with 60% whole clusters. The nose combines qualities found in other Pinot Noirs of the lineup, combining dark fruits, exotic spices, dried flowers and herbal energy with an enhanced degree of burly, sturdy power. The palate is silky and saturated yet retains a beautiful vibrancy, finishing with a coiled, tannic finish rendered with impressive clarity. This will significantly benefit from a year or two of softening but is a lovely testimony to the increasingly refined winemaking at Melville."
Overall Rating
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