96 points Wine Enthusiast: "Lively aromas of strawberry, raspberry, wild mint and tarragon make for a stunning nose on this bottling, presenting bright, juicy red fruit with potent herbs in complementary ways. Bay, eucalyptus leaf and cracked rainbow-peppercorn flavors spice up the raspberry jam core of the palate. Alcohol 13.5%. (Nov 2023)"
95 points Jeb Dunnuck: "Leading off the reds, the 2021 Pinot Noir Sandy's comes from vines planted in 1997 (by Brent and Chad Melville) and was 50% destemmed and aged in neutral oak. It reveals a translucent ruby hue as well as terrific intensity in its mulled cherries, black tea, orange zest, and loamy soil-like nuances. It's complex, medium to full-bodied, has a fresher, focused, chiseled style, and outstanding length, with just a kiss of classic Sta. Rita Hills marine-like salinity on the finish. It will keep for 10-15 years. (8/30/23)"
94 points Erin Brooks (Wine Advocate): "The 2021 Pinot Noir Sandy's Block, vinified with 50% whole clusters, has detailed aromas of smoked cranberries, mossy bark, wildflowers and bitter orange. The medium-bodied palate features a surprisingly concentrated core of fruit framed by chalky tannins and fireworks of fresh acidity, and it has a long, perfumed finish. 642 cases were made. Drink: 2024-2034. (1/31/24)"
93 points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "The 2021 Pinot Noir Sandy's Block offers up an explosion of sweet floral and spice notes. Crushed rose petal, mint, dried flowers, cedar and bright, red-toned fruit all grace this exquisite, wonderfully nuanced Pinot Noir. The 2021 is an absolute delight. Drink: 2024-2033. (Sep 2023)"
93 points Wine & Spirits: "Sandy is Melville’s aunt, as well as an appropriate name for this stretch of pure sand planted to a range of clones. That mix of vines builds complexity into the aromatics of this wine, boosted by 25 percent of whole clusters in the fermentation, matured in neutral oak barrels. It’s all lavender and black-tea notes, with fleshy plum fruit, ready for a game feast, like venison tenderloin with a cherry reduction. (Feb 2023)"
95 points Jeb Dunnuck: "Leading off the reds, the 2021 Pinot Noir Sandy's comes from vines planted in 1997 (by Brent and Chad Melville) and was 50% destemmed and aged in neutral oak. It reveals a translucent ruby hue as well as terrific intensity in its mulled cherries, black tea, orange zest, and loamy soil-like nuances. It's complex, medium to full-bodied, has a fresher, focused, chiseled style, and outstanding length, with just a kiss of classic Sta. Rita Hills marine-like salinity on the finish. It will keep for 10-15 years. (8/30/23)"
94 points Erin Brooks (Wine Advocate): "The 2021 Pinot Noir Sandy's Block, vinified with 50% whole clusters, has detailed aromas of smoked cranberries, mossy bark, wildflowers and bitter orange. The medium-bodied palate features a surprisingly concentrated core of fruit framed by chalky tannins and fireworks of fresh acidity, and it has a long, perfumed finish. 642 cases were made. Drink: 2024-2034. (1/31/24)"
93 points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "The 2021 Pinot Noir Sandy's Block offers up an explosion of sweet floral and spice notes. Crushed rose petal, mint, dried flowers, cedar and bright, red-toned fruit all grace this exquisite, wonderfully nuanced Pinot Noir. The 2021 is an absolute delight. Drink: 2024-2033. (Sep 2023)"
93 points Wine & Spirits: "Sandy is Melville’s aunt, as well as an appropriate name for this stretch of pure sand planted to a range of clones. That mix of vines builds complexity into the aromatics of this wine, boosted by 25 percent of whole clusters in the fermentation, matured in neutral oak barrels. It’s all lavender and black-tea notes, with fleshy plum fruit, ready for a game feast, like venison tenderloin with a cherry reduction. (Feb 2023)"
| Product SKU | 352392 |
| Producer | Melville |
| Country | United States |
| Region | California |
| SubRegion | Central Coast |
| Appellation | Sta. Rita Hills |
| Varietal | Pinot Noir |
| Vintage | 2021 |
| Size | 750ml |
| Color | Red |
| ABV | 13.5% |
| Ships To |
