Melville - Estate Block M Pinot Noir 2020 (750ml)

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Producer	Melville
Country	United States
Region	California
Varietal	Pinot Noir
Vintage	2020
Sku	37893
Size	750ml

 

WA

97

JD

94

V

94

Founded in 1989 by Ron Melville and family, Melville Vineyards transitioned from Sonoma's Knights Valley to Santa Barbara's Sta. Rita Hills in 1996, seeking an ideal cold-climate terroir for Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Syrah. Instrumental in establishing the Sta. Rita Hills AVA in 2001, the estate now ranks among California's most esteemed wineries. Its proximity to the ocean, consistent fog, and steady winds create a cool microclimate that prolongs the growing season, while calcareous soils contribute to the grapes' natural acidity and balanced flavors.

Dark magenta in color, this wine opens with rich aromas of ripe raspberry, hoisin sauce, and crème de cassis. Subtle notes of black pepper, pine needle, blueberry compote, and anise emerge, complemented by floral hints of magnolia, rose petal, and hibiscus. On the palate, it boasts a decadent mouthfeel with nicely integrated tannins, finishing with extraordinary power and finesse.

The 2020 Pinot Noir Block M is beautifully expressive this vintage, with very pretty scents of blackberry, raspberry and pomegranate with wafts of tar, lavender, prosciutto, mushrooms and blood orange. The medium-bodied palate is intensely concentrated and boasts fine, chalky tannins, mouthwatering acidity and loads of detail emerging on the long finish. Wow! 720 cases were made.  Erin Brooks

The 2020 Pinot Noir Block M is a wild wine that very much reflects its site, perched atop a hill on the western side of the property where exposure to wind and sun, along with clay-rich soils, yields a distinctly virile, somber Pinot. Black cherry, bittersweet chocolate, licorice and cloves all come together. The 80% stems are perfectly judged. The 2020 is a big wine, but the balance works.  Antonio Galloni

Last of the Pinot Noir, the 2020 Pinot Noir Block M comes from a higher point in the estate vineyard and thin soils. It always sees a lot of stems, and the 2020 was fermented with 80% whole clusters and aged all in neutral oak. Candied cherries, plums, iron, smoked meat, and roasted herbs all emerge from this more angular (almost mean) Pinot Noir that needs lots of air to open up and gain charm. As with all these latest 2020s from Melville, it’s built for the cellar, and I wouldn’t open a bottle for at least 3-4 years. It should evolve gracefully.