2012 Melville Syrah Estate
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Showing more minerality than the Verna’s, the 2012 Syrah Estate Sta. Rita Hills saw a similar elevage, with 30% whole clusters, fermentation in open top stainless steel fermenters and aging 11 months in neutral oak. It’s a classic Syrah and exhibits beautifully pure aromas and flavors of ground herbs, pepper, leather and smoked meats that are grounded by a core of dark fruit. Full-bodied, voluptuous, deep and layered, it too is an awesome wine that tastes like it cost three times what it does. Hold onto your hats, as these latest releases from Chad Melville and winemaker Greg Brewer are off-the-charts good! While both of the Chardonnays are beautiful, and play in the clean, crisp and medium-bodied spectrum, it’s the 2012 Pinot Noirs and Syrahs that are incredible across the board. The Pinot Noirs all see varying degrees of whole cluster and are aged completely in neutral French oak barrels. The Syrahs see slightly less whole cluster inclusion, but are also aged all in neutral French oak. In case you missed the prices/scores listed above, these are some of the greatest values in the world of wine today! Tel. (805) 735-7030; www.melvillewinery.com
Critic scores
Average Score
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Jeb Dunnuck, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
The 2012 Syrah Estate Sta. Rita Hills is laced with dark red cherry, plum, smoke, scorched earth and new leather. Deeper and more pliant than the Verna's the Estate is wonderfully fleshy and expressive, although it doesn't quite reach the level of the Pinots here. The forward, fruit-driven style is all about near-term pleasure.