2020 Melville "Sandy's Block" Pinot Noir Sta. Rita Hills

Winemaker Notes:  Vibrant crimson, Sandy’s unfolds aromatic layers of rose petal, dried violet, incense resin and pink peppercorns. On the palate, concentrated red fruits like fresh Bing cherry, Japanese red plums and cranberry relish are lifted by elegant and showy rosewater, coriander seeds and ground clove. A pretty and perfumed front palate ends with mouth-coating acidity and a velvety dusting of dark cocoa bean powder.

CRITICAL ACCLAIM


Robert Parker's Wine Advocate - "Vinified with 50% whole clusters, the 2020 Pinot Noir Sandy's Block is notably detailed and pure. Medium ruby, it has a deep core of cranberry, pomegranate and raspberry with touches of pepper, mossy bark and blood orange. The medium-bodied palate offers concentrated fruits, a pleasing, chalky frame and bursts of mouthwatering acidity that highlight bitters and earth accents on the long, detailed finish. Best After 2022. "


Jeb Dunnuck - "Starting with the Pinot Noirs, the 2020 Pinot Noir Sandy's showed well, with a tighter, focused, medium-bodied style that’s going to benefit from bottle age. Coming from pure sand soils just north of Donna’s Block (this cuvée is named after Chad’s aunt) and a mix of four different clones, fermented with 50% stems, it has a solid bouquet of black raspberry and mulberry fruits, fine yet present tannins, good acidity, and outstanding length. Give it a year or three, and it will unquestionably keep for a decade. Rating: 94+ "