Introduction
Melville Estate Donna’s Syrah Sta. Rita Hills 2021 is a compelling and authentic expression of cool-climate Syrah, showcasing the distinctive savory and peppery characteristics for which the Sta. Rita Hills is gaining renown. 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, “Donna’s” often signifies a special selection or block reflecting unique terroir and intensity. The Sta. Rita Hills is celebrated for its unique transverse mountain ranges that allow direct Pacific Ocean influence, bringing cooling fogs and strong winds that result in a long, slow ripening period, preserving Syrah’s natural acidity and fostering profound development of both fruit and savory complexity. The 2019 vintage in Sta. Rita Hills was generally excellent, characterized by ideal growing conditions that allowed Syrah grapes to achieve optimal ripeness, vibrant acidity, and refined tannins, setting the stage for a wine of remarkable purity, elegance, and distinct personality.
Character Description
The Melville Estate Donna’s Syrah Sta. Rita Hills 2021 enchants with an opaque, deep ruby-purple hue, indicative of its profound concentration and youthful intensity. It offers an intensely aromatic and captivating bouquet of dense black cherry, wild blueberry, and ripe blackberry, elegantly interwoven with commanding notes of cracked black pepper, smoked meat (bacon fat), and a distinctive olive tapenade savoriness. Subtle nuances of violet, licorice, and a hint of graphite or crushed rock minerality may also emerge, adding layers of profound complexity. On the palate, it delivers a full-bodied and beautifully structured texture, with concentrated dark fruit and savory spice flavors that mirror the nose. It’s supported by firm, yet remarkably polished and fine-grained tannins that provide superb backbone and a long, expansive finish, balanced by a vibrant acidity that ensures freshness and remarkable precision for such a powerful wine. The finish is exceptionally long, intensely layered, and profoundly satisfying, leaving a lingering impression of rich dark fruit, complex savory notes, and the formidable, yet elegant, character that defines a truly iconic cool-climate Sta. Rita Hills Syrah.
Perfect Pairings
This robust and intricately flavored Syrah is an exceptional partner for hearty and boldly seasoned dishes, perfectly complementing its rich fruit, savory spice, and firm structure. It pairs beautifully with grilled or smoked meats, such as barbecued ribs, prime cuts of lamb, or venison loin with a berry reduction. Its peppery and olive notes also make it an ideal accompaniment to Mediterranean-inspired lamb or beef stews, rich cassoulet, or gourmet sausages with herbs. Furthermore, it excels alongside aged, firm cheeses like mature cheddar, Pecorino, or a sharp Parmesan, as well as dishes featuring black olives, rosemary, or thyme. Its profound depth and compelling qualities make it a fantastic choice for a sophisticated dinner, a gathering of discerning palates, or for those who appreciate a powerful yet elegant red wine that truly expresses the pinnacle of cool-climate Syrah. Decanting for at least an hour is recommended to allow its full spectrum of aromas and flavors to unfold.
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 “Donna’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 Donna’s Syrah 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 Syrah in the world.
