Introduction
Melville Estate Anna’s Pinot Noir Sta. Rita Hills 2017 is a singular and expressive testament to the cool-climate precision and aromatic complexity of Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir, particularly from a specific, esteemed block within the Melville estate. Produced by Melville Winery, a highly acclaimed family-owned estate dedicated to crafting exceptional, site-specific wines from their vineyards in the Sta. Rita Hills AVA, “Anna’s” often signifies a special selection or block reflecting unique terroir. The Sta. Rita Hills is renowned for its transverse mountain ranges that allow direct Pacific Ocean influence, bringing cooling fogs and strong winds that result in a long, slow ripening period, preserving Pinot Noir’s delicate acidity and fostering profound flavor development. The 2017 vintage in Sta. Rita Hills was largely celebrated, with a relatively long and steady growing season that allowed Pinot Noir grapes to achieve excellent ripeness, vibrant acidity, and refined tannins, setting the stage for a wine of remarkable purity, elegance, and distinct personality.
Character Description
The Melville Estate Anna’s Pinot Noir Sta. Rita Hills 2017 enchants with a brilliant, luminous ruby-red hue, indicative of its vibrant character and purity. It offers an intensely aromatic and captivating bouquet of bright red cherry, wild strawberry, and delicate cranberry, elegantly interwoven with intriguing notes of forest floor, sweet baking spice (like cinnamon and clove), and a distinctive savory minerality. Underlying nuances of a faint dried rose petal perfume, black tea, and a touch of mushroom or cola may also emerge, adding layers of sophisticated complexity. On the palate, it delivers a medium to full-bodied and beautifully silky texture, with juicy red berry fruit flavors that mirror the nose, complemented by a graceful earthy undertone and precise spice. It’s supported by fine-grained, supple tannins that provide an elegant structure and a lingering, expansive finish, balanced by a bright, refreshing acidity that ensures vibrancy and exceptional food-pairing versatility. The finish is smooth, harmonious, and exquisitely long, leaving a lingering impression of vibrant fruit, subtle earthiness, and the characteristic allure that defines a well-crafted, cool-climate Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir.
Perfect Pairings
This elegant and versatile Pinot Noir is an exceptional partner for a wide array of refined and flavorful dishes, perfectly complementing its bright acidity, nuanced fruit, and silky tannins. It pairs beautifully with roasted duck with a cherry reduction, grilled salmon or tuna, and mushroom-based dishes like wild mushroom risotto or savory tarts. Its bright fruit and earthy undertones also make it an ideal accompaniment to herb-roasted chicken, pork tenderloin with fruit compote, or lighter pasta dishes with vegetable or cream sauces. Furthermore, it excels alongside soft, creamy cheeses like Brie, goat cheese, or a young Gruyère. Its balanced structure and captivating qualities make it an ideal choice for a sophisticated dinner, a gathering of discerning palates, or simply as a delightful glass on its own to appreciate its complexity and terroir expression.
About the Winery
Melville Winery is a highly acclaimed, family-owned estate located in the heart of the Sta. Rita Hills AVA in Santa Barbara County, dedicated exclusively to producing world-class Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Syrah from their own vineyards. Established by Ron Melville in 1997, the winery is built on the philosophy of growing and crafting wines that are true reflections of their cool-climate terroir, emphasizing meticulous viticulture and minimal intervention in the cellar. Their commitment to organic farming practices and dry-farming ensures the vines produce grapes of intense concentration and purity. The “Anna’s” designation often refers to a specific, unique block within their estate vineyard, highlighting the subtle differences and exceptional quality found within their diverse plantings. The Melville Estate Anna’s Pinot Noir is a true representation of their unwavering pursuit of excellence and their dedication to producing benchmark, site-specific wines that stand among the finest examples of Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir in the world.
