2005 Melville Chardonnay Clone 76 Inox
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Tasting notes
Pale green-gold color. Piquant aromas of vineyard peach, curry powder and anise, with complicating notes of sea salt and tangerine; this reminded me of a non-malolactic (and non-oaked) chardonnay from Austria. Chewy and quite pure, conveying a dusty impression of extract accentuated by substantial CO2 Finishes dry, tactile and quite long, with brisk mineral and citrus nuances and little sign of the 15.3% alcohol. Fascinating wine.
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Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
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Melville produces what may be the finest virginal (meaning non-oaked) Chardonnay in California, and the 2005 Chardonnay Clone 76 Inox boasts beautiful intensity along with crisp, lively notes of white currants, peaches, and honeyed citrus. This pure, rich beauty should be enjoyed over the next 1-2 years. Tel. (805) 735-7030