95 points/'Editors' Choice,' Wine Enthusiast: "Lovely aromas of cherry pie and damp mint make for a fresh and complex nose on this estate bottling, one of the more affordable ones in the Melville lineup. The palate is firm in texture and blasted with acidity, showing black cherry, cola, mace, bay leaf and clove flavors, a classic expression of this appellation. (Mar 2023)"
94 points Erin Brooks (Wine Advocate): "Medium ruby, the 2021 Pinot Noir Estate has alluring aromas of cranberry and orange jelly, forest floor and Angostura bitters. Medium-bodied, it floods the mouth with waves of juicy berry fruit supported by fine, chalky tannins, and it finishes long and layered. This was vinified using about 40% whole clusters. Drink: 2022-2032. (Dec 2022)"
94 points James Suckling: "A racy and fine red with dried strawberry and citrus with a smoky undertone and hints of cedar. Some smoke and rose stems. Medium-bodied with crunchy and bright fruit. Fine and delicate tannins. Energetic finish. Spices at the end. White pepper. Drink or hold. (5/9/23)"
93 points Jeb Dunnuck: "The 2021 Pinot Noir Estate Sta. Rita Hills shows the more classic style of this estate today and is unquestionably a qualitative match for a top Premier Cru from Burgundy, albeit at about a fraction of the cost. Translucent ruby, with a gorgeous nose of peppery red and black cherry fruits as well as spring flowers, baking spices, and subtle briny, marine-like nuances, it hits the palate with medium-bodied richness, an elegant, lively mouthfeel, supple tannins, and perfectly integrated acidity. It will evolve gracefully for 8-10 years, if not longer. Drink: 2023-2034. (2/4/23)"
92 points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "Melville’s 2021 Pinot Noir Estate is bright and effusive right out of the gate. Sweet red cherry, hard candy, spice and rose petal race across the palate. A touch of whole cluster savoriness adds shades of nuance. I would give the 2021 at least a year in bottle, as it is pretty reticent today. Drink: 2024-2033. (Aug 2022)"
Producer notes: "The aromatics instantly permeate the glass with rose petals, ripe red plums, cloves, and orange zest. When tasting, the flavors of Bing Cherry, raspberry and blackberry race over the entire palate and are followed by black tea and tarragon. A harmonious backbone of silky tannins and energetic acidity give this wine real verve!"
94 points Erin Brooks (Wine Advocate): "Medium ruby, the 2021 Pinot Noir Estate has alluring aromas of cranberry and orange jelly, forest floor and Angostura bitters. Medium-bodied, it floods the mouth with waves of juicy berry fruit supported by fine, chalky tannins, and it finishes long and layered. This was vinified using about 40% whole clusters. Drink: 2022-2032. (Dec 2022)"
94 points James Suckling: "A racy and fine red with dried strawberry and citrus with a smoky undertone and hints of cedar. Some smoke and rose stems. Medium-bodied with crunchy and bright fruit. Fine and delicate tannins. Energetic finish. Spices at the end. White pepper. Drink or hold. (5/9/23)"
93 points Jeb Dunnuck: "The 2021 Pinot Noir Estate Sta. Rita Hills shows the more classic style of this estate today and is unquestionably a qualitative match for a top Premier Cru from Burgundy, albeit at about a fraction of the cost. Translucent ruby, with a gorgeous nose of peppery red and black cherry fruits as well as spring flowers, baking spices, and subtle briny, marine-like nuances, it hits the palate with medium-bodied richness, an elegant, lively mouthfeel, supple tannins, and perfectly integrated acidity. It will evolve gracefully for 8-10 years, if not longer. Drink: 2023-2034. (2/4/23)"
92 points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "Melville’s 2021 Pinot Noir Estate is bright and effusive right out of the gate. Sweet red cherry, hard candy, spice and rose petal race across the palate. A touch of whole cluster savoriness adds shades of nuance. I would give the 2021 at least a year in bottle, as it is pretty reticent today. Drink: 2024-2033. (Aug 2022)"
Producer notes: "The aromatics instantly permeate the glass with rose petals, ripe red plums, cloves, and orange zest. When tasting, the flavors of Bing Cherry, raspberry and blackberry race over the entire palate and are followed by black tea and tarragon. A harmonious backbone of silky tannins and energetic acidity give this wine real verve!"
| Product SKU | 345176 |
| Producer | Melville |
| Country | United States |
| Region | California |
| SubRegion | Central Coast |
| Appellation | Sta. Rita Hills |
| Varietal | Pinot Noir |
| Vintage | 2021 |
| Size | 750ml |
| Color | Red |
| ABV | 14.0% |
| Ships To |
