2010 Melville 'Estate' Sta. Rita Hills Chardonnay

About This Wine

Seven years after its founding, Melville Vineyards moved.

That may seem highly unusual for a winey — and it is — but it made perfect sense to Ron Melville. The original location was in the Knights Valley appellation of Sonoma County, which is renowned for its Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Only one problem: Melville wanted to make Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

So, in 1996, Melville Vineyards came to the Sta. Rita Hills area of California’s Central Coast region. Sta. Rita Hills is situated in the far western portion of Santa Barbara County’s Santa Ynez Valley, where the proximity to the Pacific Ocean provides the kind of climate that Pinot Noir and Chardonnay prefer.

Melville makes various bottlings of both varieties, and the “Estate” Chardonnay is the flagship wine, crafted from grapes grown in the western end of the family’s vineyard. It’s a palate-coating wine that demonstrates that Melville was right about moving his winemaking operations south.

About Chardonnay

Relatively easy to grow in a variety of locations. Consistently produces some of the world's great white wines. Complex, full, rich and fruity with soft edges and moderate acidity. Offers rich and intense fruit flavors of apple, fig, melon, pear, peach, pineapple, along with creamy yeast spice, honey, butter and hazelnut flavors.

Tasting Notes

• Grape Composition:100% Chardonnay
• Grape Source:Estate Vineyard in Sta. Rita Hills Area of California
• Aromas & Flavors:Lemon, Chalk, Pineapple, Star Anise, White Currant, Sage and Hazelnut
• Aging Vessels:Assorted Oak Barrels
• When to Drink:Now Through 2015
• Food Pairing Suggestionlemon chicken, or hazelnut-crusted halibut.

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