Description
A collection of 16 pinot noir clones from across Melville’s Sta. Rita Hills estate, this is a perfect example of the best that the region can produce. 40% of the fruit was fermented as whole-clusters with 60% gently destemmed in small (1.5 ton) open-top fermenters. Total skin and stem contact averaged 30 days (7 day cold soak, 2 + weeks of fermentation and 1 + week extended maceration). From the press, the wine was transferred directly into neutral barrel (10+ year old French oak), where it remained sur lie without sulphur until June, when it was gently racked for the first time and prepared for bottling in August. Light garnet in colour, vivid aromatics of rhubarb, tangerine zest, fresh cranberry and juniper are immediately apparent while intriguing notes of eucalyptus, chanterelle mushroom, plum skin and green tea linger in the background. Focused and precise, with velvety tannins that frame the wines plush core as well as the lengthy and cohesive finish.