Melville, Syrah, Sta Rita Hills, 2021


Price:
Sale price£63.00

Description

Chad Melville works in the western hills of the Santa Ynez Valley; a paradoxical landscape of exceptional cool temperatures - despite being less than 150 miles from Los Angeles! This is down to it's unusual east-west orientation which funnels the cool Pacific winds down the length of the valley. These conditions create incredibly sunny vineyards with every hint of moisture pulled from the surface of the grapes by the wind. The intense concentration, brilliant flavour and harsh, stressful environment creates some of the finest Pinot, Chardonnay and Syrah around. The history of the estate starts in 1989 when grape grower Ron Melville upped sticks and moved from Knight’s Valley in Sonoma down to this property in Santa Ynez. Nowadays run by Ron and his sons Chad & Brent, Chad has taken over most of the winemaking duties. Chad’s philosophy is quite simple – “At the time of harvest, we consider the wines to already be made and strive not to interfere with their natural path.” In other words, oaking is neutral, wines should reflect their vintage and what results in clean, clear, fruit-driven wines. Magnificent. Critical Appraisal: “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.” 96 Pts Erin Brooks writing in The Wine Advocate, 2024-2034

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