Sign In

2022 Melville Chardonnay

Removed from a professional wine storage facility

Ends Sunday, 7pm Pacific

RATINGS

92Jeb Dunnuck

Spiced apple, melon, chalky mineral, and hints of leafy herbs...medium-bodied, vibrant, beautifully balanced Chardonnay that shines on all accounts...nicely integrated acidity, a pure, layered mouthfeel, and outstanding length...

91Vinous / IWC

...powerful, deep wine. Tangerine peel, white flowers, mint and lightly honeyed notes confer exoticism to a Chardonnay of structure and textural intensity.

17.5Jancis Robinson

Attractive scents of lemon peel and lemon curd. Flavours of bright lemon peel and lemon curd mix with pink grapefruit amidst a silky texture. Excellent acidity keeps things bright and brisk and there's a lovely saline kick that accompanies a stony quality in the finish. Extremely tasty.

REGION

United States, California, Central Coast, Santa Barbara County, Santa Rita Hills

Santa Rita Hills AVA in northern Santa Barbara County was granted appellation status in 2001. Located between the towns of Lompoc and Buellton, it has a total area of 30,720 acres with 2,700 vineyard acres. The area is considered a cool climate for vineyards, so vineyards are most often planted with the cool-weather grapes Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The hills in the western part of this appellation are directly exposed to the Pacific Ocean, meaning that maritime winds and fog make the western edge of the Santa Rita Hills AVA particularly cool. The Sanford & Benedict Vineyard planted in 1971 was the first vineyard in the district and is still considered one of the best.

TYPE

White Wine, Chardonnay

This white variety originated in Burgundy, but is now grown around the world. Its flexibility to thrive in many regions translates to wide flavor profile in the market. Chardonnay is commonly used in making Champagne and sparkling wines.