2006 Melville Pinot Noir High Density

A sensational Pinot Noir, and a very seductive one at that, is the 2006 Pinot Noir High Density. Black raspberry, truffle, and sweet earthy notes jump from the glass of this dark ruby/purple-tinged wine. Broad, savory, and full-bodied, this is a gorgeous Pinot Noir to drink over the next 5-6 years. The Melville family has one of the top vineyards in the Santa Rita Hills, and the wines are made under the supervision of Greg Brewer and Steve Clifton. It is interesting that I found the Melville Pinot Noirs far less spice-dominated, with more blue and black fruits, than those of Brewer-Clifton. That struck me as unusual because the vineyards are often close to each other geographically, and of course, the winemaking philosophy is generally the same. Tel. (805) 235-7030; Fax (805) 235-5310