2006 Melville Pinot Noir Estate Verna's

Melville’s 2006 Pinot Noir Estate Verna’s has blueberry and red currant notes, some hints of powdered rock, fresh acidity, medium body, and a nice round, savory mouthfeel with decent acidity and sweet tannin. It reminded me of a California version of a premier cru or grand cru wine from Chambolle-Musigny. Drink it 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