I first met Chad Melville about three years ago on a flying visit through his Sta. Rita Hills estate. Funnily enough, he talked a lot about winemaking—but luckily, he’s one of those rare figures who’s as gifted at explaining what he’s up to as he is at actually doing it. Hours flew past, full of talk about sandy soils, stem inclusion, and the cold ocean fog that defines his part of California.
Chad is a true individualist. He’s absolutely committed to the value of pure, crystalline fruit in a culture sometimes too fond of oak. He’s unafraid to hold wines back until they’re ready and quietly produces a dizzying array of single-vineyard bottlings that are hard to keep track of but impossible to forget. We're delighted to import not just his Pinot Noir's and Chardonnays, but also his magnificent sparkling wines* and his mighty Syrah's as well. And the Syrah is what I'm championing today - see below!
"The 2019 Syrah Donna's Block comes from Estrella clone vines planted in pure sandy soils and was made entirely with whole clusters. Medium ruby-purple, it has a detailed perfume of blue and black berries, licorice, cast iron and wafts of mint chocolate and tapenade. Fresh, medium-bodied and lacy, the elegant palate offers savory fruits and a long, uplifted finish."