Leading off the Pinot Noirs, the 2022 Pinot Noir Sandy's comes from a single block in the Melville Vineyard and was 50% destemmed and raised in neutral oak. It has a translucent, darker ruby hue as well as a sensational nose of mulled red and black berry fruits, peppery herbs, loamy soil, and spice. Very Burgundian, medium-bodied, concentrated, and flawlessly balanced, it has fine tannins and a great finish. It's a brilliant wine from Chad Melville that will evolve for 10-12 years with ease.
95 points, Jeb Dunnuck (Aug 2024)
The 2022 Pinot Noir Estate Sandy's Block is a gorgeous Melville Pinot. Dark, layered and mysterious, the 2022 offers up an exotic mix of black cherry, gravel, sage, menthol and tobacco. Firm tannins add to an impression of somber gravitas. The 50% stems are evident but balanced. This, too, needs time.
95 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous (Aug 2024)
The Melville Estate Sandy's Block Pinot Noir comes from a block on well-draining, low-nutrient sandy soils. 50% whole cluster fruit is fermented with skin and stems for 30 days, then gently pressed into neutral French oak for 15 months of ageing. It is a balletic Pinot Noir, offering power and grace in its muscular, dark-fruited profile and lacy acidity. Bruised apple skin, cherry pit, cherry blossom, and apricot notes mingle with sandalwood and Rooibos tea. Medium-bodied, the palate finds itself awash in black tea tannin that resolves quickly on waves of salty crushed minerals, powdery clove, a hint of mint, dried sage and a hint of conifer. Just splendid. Melville is dedicated to producing cool-climate Pinot Noir, Syrah, and Chardonnay grown exclusively in its estate vineyards throughout the Sta. Rita Hills AVA, with vines planted mostly on Lompoc dune sand, interspersed with clay loam and shallow hard pans of Monterey shale.
95 points, Jonathan Cristaldi, Decanter (Aug 2024)
From a northern section of Melville East planted on sand and fermented with 50% whole clusters, the 2022 Pinot Noir Sandy's Block is the most approachable Pinot Noir of the roster. The nose is red-fruited and multifaceted, merging incense, spice and dried flower notes with lifted herbal energy. The palate is lacy and focused, braced with a gently succulent acidity. It concludes with a harmonious, chalky finish notably more integrated than its tense, sturdy counterparts at this early stage.
93 points, Matthew Luczy, Wine Advocate (Oct 2024)
Very textured and layered, with good tannins supporting nervy red cherry, cranberry, red tea and rhubarb flavors on a medium body. Grown on sandy soil and showing the elegant restraint that this gives the wine. Drink or hold.
93 points, Jim Gordon, James Suckling (Oct 2024)
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