2018 Melville "Block M" Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

96WE

95JD

94RP

92VN

$59.99

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Wine Enthusiast

Reviewed October 2020

Light in the glass, this herb-forward bottling begins with aromas of bay leaf, green peppercorn, cracked pepper and wet forest, set against the brisk raspberry core. The palate snaps with underripe raspberry and bramble, veering into the herbal tea tones throughout the sip for a refreshing and complex experience.

Professional Reviews

Jeb Dunnuck

Review Date: 08/2020

Last of the Pinot Noirs, the 2018 Pinot Noir Estate Block M saw a bunch of stems (75% whole clusters) and aging all in neutral oak. Lots of stem influence as well as ripe red and black fruits, forest floor, and gamey, spicy notes emerge from the glass. Medium to full-bodied, it offers ripe, present tannins, good acidity, and all the right components. Give bottles 2-3 years and enjoy over the following decade.

Wine Advocate

Review Date: 10/2020

The 2018 Pinot Noir Block M has very pretty scents of blue and red berries with accents of dried violets, tar and dried herbs. The medium-bodied palate is layered, broody, grainy and seamlessly fresh, with lovely floral perfume coming through on the long finish. (EB)

Vinous

Review Date: 07/2020

The 2018 Pinot Noir Block M is a bit nervous today and less supple than it can be. Sweet red berry fruit, white pepper, mint and dried herbs add an attractive upper register. I would give the 2018 another year or two in bottle to see if some of its customary sensuality starts to appear. (AG)

Notes

Winery notes: Block M sits atop a sun exposed and wind-swept mesa on the west side of our estate above several feet of botella clay soil that is planted to Dijonnaise clones 114 and 115. Clone 114 is known for its lush and tender texture, while the more widely known 115 delivers higher toned fruit components and is more pronounced structurally. Always the richest, roundest and most full-bodied of our Small Lot Collection Pinot Noirs, we feel that 114 and 115 work in harmony together and make Block M such a complete bottling. 33% of the fruit was gently de-stemmed with 67% remaining as whole clusters. Tasting Notes: Rich crimson hued, savory and spicy notes of shiitake mushrooms, cinnamon, star anise and wet slate emerge initially. With time, richer fruit components of strawberry gelatin, orange marmalade and blueberry notes also fill in. The palate impression is assertive, with broad shoulders and ripe tannins that give the wine tremendous depth and intensity.

Details

Origin	Santa Maria/Santa Barbara, California, United States
Type/Varietal	Pinot Noir
SKU	1495422