Chad Melville’s winery in the western hills of the Santa Ynez Valley is a true gem, tucked in a paradoxical landscape where cool Pacific winds meet the warmth of Southern California. Despite being under 150 miles from Los Angeles, the valley’s east-west orientation funnels the winds, creating a cool, dry environment that stresses the vines just enough to produce exceptional, concentrated fruit. Since 1989, when Ron Melville moved the family business from Sonoma, this estate has been crafting wines that reflect its unique conditions, with Chad now at the helm, ensuring that each wine follows its natural path from vineyard to bottle.
The 2023 Melville Chardonnay is a stunning showcase of this terroir. With aromas of citrus blossoms, oyster brine, and a hint of grilled pineapple, it delivers a palate that is bright, fresh, and electric with minerality and concentration. The wine’s austere, tension-filled character lingers long after the last sip.
Grown on the estate’s west-facing slopes, the vines benefit from nutrient-deficient, sandy soils and chilling Pacific winds. Hand-harvested and gently pressed, this Chardonnay is aged in neutral French oak barrels, allowing its vibrant, clean flavors to shine through without heavy oak influence. A wine that truly captures the essence of its cold-climate roots.
