Introduction
Melville Estate Chardonnay Inox Clone 76 Sta. Rita Hills 2022 is a pristine and vibrant expression of Chardonnay, showcasing the profound purity and distinct cool-climate character of Sta. Rita Hills, unadorned by oak. 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, this “Inox” bottling highlights a commitment to showcasing the varietal’s true essence through stainless steel fermentation and aging. The “Clone 76” designation further emphasizes their dedication to clonal precision, focusing on a specific genetic selection known for its aromatic intensity and textural richness, even without oak. 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 Chardonnay’s natural acidity and fostering profound fruit development. The 2022 vintage in Sta. Rita Hills was generally excellent, characterized by ideal growing conditions that allowed Chardonnay grapes to achieve exceptional ripeness, vibrant acidity, and refined textures, setting the stage for a wine of remarkable clarity and complexity.
Character Description
The Melville Estate Chardonnay Inox Clone 76 Sta. Rita Hills 2022 enchants with a brilliant, shimmering pale gold hue, indicative of its purity and intensity. It offers an intensely aromatic and captivating bouquet of bright lemon zest, crisp green apple, and juicy white peach, elegantly interwoven with invigorating notes of wet stone minerality, saline, and a delicate hint of white flower blossom. Underlying nuances of a subtle yeasty complexity from lees contact, and a clean, refreshing citrus pith note may also emerge, adding layers of sophisticated depth without any influence from wood. On the palate, it delivers a medium-bodied and beautifully textured experience, with concentrated citrus and orchard fruit flavors that mirror the nose, complemented by a vibrant, linear acidity. It’s supported by bright, bracing acidity that provides a lively and precise structure, leading to a long, exceptionally clean finish. The finish is crisp, harmonious, and exquisitely persistent, leaving a lingering impression of vibrant fruit purity, nuanced minerality, and the characteristic elegance that defines a world-class, un-oaked, terroir-driven Chardonnay from Sta. Rita Hills.
Perfect Pairings
This exceptionally pure and vibrant Chardonnay is an outstanding partner for a wide range of refined and delicate dishes, perfectly complementing its bright acidity, intricate fruit, and mineral undertones. It pairs beautifully with freshly shucked oysters, pan-seared scallops with a squeeze of lemon, or delicate grilled branzino. Its crisp acidity and lack of oak also make it an ideal accompaniment to goat cheese salads with fresh herbs, asparagus risotto, or light pasta dishes with spring vegetables. Furthermore, it excels alongside sushi and sashimi, fresh seafood platters, or simply as a sophisticated aperitif. Its balanced structure and captivating qualities make it an ideal choice for a celebratory lunch, an elegant appetizer course, or simply as a refreshing and complex glass on its own, allowing the pure expression of the varietal and site to shine.
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 “Inox” series represents a specific dedication to producing Chardonnays that showcase the varietal’s inherent qualities without the influence of oak, while their exploration of specific clones, such as Clone 76, highlights their pursuit of unique expressions from their diverse plantings. The Melville Estate Chardonnay Inox Clone 76 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 Chardonnay in the world.
