2010 Melville Pinot Noir Terraces Estate
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Tasting notes
(vinified entirely with whole clusters): Dark red. High-pitched red berry, floral and spice aromas show a wild, faintly medicinal character. Juicy and focused, offering concentrated strawberry, bitter cherry and floral pastille flavors and notes of cinnamon, star anise and rhubarb. Finishes chewy and focused, leaving Asian spice and cherry notes behind.
Critic scores
Average Score
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Josh Raynolds
More reviews and scores
One of the bigger, richer wines in the lineup, the 2010 Pinot Noir Estate Terraces stands out for its power. Subtle hints of earthiness, tobacco, licorice and mint arrive later and add complexity to the fruit, but this remains a decidedly broad-shoulderd Pinot. As good as the Terraces is, it doesn't quite reach the same level of finesse as the best wines in the lineup. Winemaker Greg Brewer used 100% whole clusters on the Terraces.
One of the bigger, richer wines in the lineup, the 2010 Pinot Noir Estate Terraces stands out for its power. Subtle hints of earthiness, tobacco and mint arrive later and add complexity to the fruit, but this remains a decidedly broad-shouldered Pinot. As good as the Terraces is, it doesn't quite reach the same level of finesse as the best wines in the lineup. Winemaker Greg Brewer used 100% whole clusters in the Terraces. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2018. Longtime winemaker Greg Brewer has done a great job with these new releases. Although there are a number of highlights here, it is the Pinots that truly shine in 2010. I also tasted the 2010 Chardonnay Estate, but it was completely closed down and in no mood to be evaluated, so I will have to wait for another opportunity to get a better read. Tel. (805) 235-7030; www.melvillewinery.com