Introduction
Melville Estate Anna’s Pinot Noir Sta. Rita Hills 2017 is a singular wine. It is an expressive testament to cool-climate precision. The wine comes from a specific block on the Melville estate. Melville Winery, a family-owned estate, produces it. The winery crafts exceptional, site-specific wines. “Anna’s” often signifies a special block. The Sta. Rita Hills has transverse mountain ranges. These allow direct Pacific Ocean influence. This brings cooling fogs and strong winds. It results in a long ripening period. This preserves Pinot Noir’s delicate acidity and fosters flavor development. The 2017 vintage had a long, steady growing season. This allowed grapes to achieve excellent ripeness and vibrant acidity. It set the stage for a wine of remarkable purity and elegance.
Character Description
The Melville Estate Anna’s Pinot Noir Sta. Rita Hills 2017 enchants with a brilliant, luminous ruby hue. It offers an aromatic bouquet of bright red cherry and wild strawberry. Delicate cranberry is also present. The wine has intriguing notes of forest floor and baking spice. A distinctive savory minerality is also there. Underlying nuances of dried rose petal, black tea, and mushroom also emerge. On the palate, it delivers a silky texture. It has red berry fruit flavors. A graceful earthy undertone and precise spice complement the wine. Fine-grained tannins provide an elegant structure. A bright acidity ensures vibrancy. The finish is smooth, harmonious, and long. It leaves a lasting impression of vibrant fruit and subtle earthiness.
Perfect Pairings
This elegant Pinot Noir is a versatile partner for many dishes. It pairs beautifully with roasted duck with a cherry reduction. It also works with grilled salmon or tuna. Its bright fruit and earthy undertones make it an ideal accompaniment to herb-roasted chicken. It also pairs with pork tenderloin or lighter pasta dishes. Furthermore, it excels alongside creamy cheeses like Brie or goat cheese. Its captivating qualities make it an ideal choice for a sophisticated dinner.
About the Winery
Melville Winery is a highly acclaimed, family-owned estate. Ron Melville established it in 1997. The winery is in the Sta. Rita Hills AVA. They dedicate themselves to producing world-class Pinot Noir. Their philosophy is to craft wines that are true reflections of their cool-climate terroir. They emphasize meticulous viticulture and minimal intervention. Their commitment to organic farming ensures the vines produce grapes of intense concentration. The “Anna’s” designation refers to a unique block. The Melville Estate Anna’s Pinot Noir is a true representation of their pursuit of excellence. It stands among the finest examples of Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir.