2022 Melville Sandy's Block Pinot Noir [JD95][V95][W&S94]

Producer: Melville Winery  
Region: Sta. Rita Hills, Santa Barbara County, Central Coast, California 
Varietal: Pinot Noir 
Year: 2022 

Jeb Dunnuck, 95 Points 

"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." 

Vinous, 95 Points 

"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." 

Wine & Spirits, 94 Points 

"Named for Chad Melville’s aunt, Sandy’s Block is set on nearly pure sand on the property’s northeast reaches, and like much Sta. Rita fruit grown on sand, this is pure, lucid and forthright. It leads with a heady perfume, scents of gingerbread, clove and ground cinnamon. It’s big at first but settles beautifully after a day, open in attack and midpalate, squared off nicely by the tannins, giving a kind of chewy intensity that hints at the wine’s ageability." 

Alcohol: 13.6% 

*Price and availability in store may vary. Vintage date may differ from pictured.