2018 MELVILLE "ESTATE" SANTA RITA HILLS CHARDONNAY

2018 MELVILLE "ESTATE" SANTA RITA HILLS CHARDONNAY, CALIFORNIA. 100% Chardonnay. (Organic)

Strong coastal winds and mineral-rich soils make it possible to capture tell-tale Sta. Rita Hills vibrancy and depth in this brilliant Chardonnay. Lees contact lends richness and nutty flavors to round out lemony citrus and flinty minerality. Vibrant and focused, with a firm streak of acidity that maintains the wine’s brightness and energy. Try it with: Lobster, cracked crab, seared scallops; creamy mushroom risotto.

About: Melville has established itself as a benchmark producer of Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, but, interestingly, Melville Vineyards was first founded by Ron Melville in 1989 in Sonoma County. Desiring to grow great Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, however, Ron moved to the cool-climate Sta. Rita Hills in 1996 (before it was a designated appellation) where he established Melville Winery and Estate with his sons, Brent and Chad. The Melvilles recognized the unique climate and terroir characteristics that distinguished their area from the rest of Santa Barbara County, and were central to the creation of the official Sta. Rita Hills AVA in 2001. Though Melville is recognized as a source for world class wines, they have been committed to terroir-driven wine growing since the beginning, farming organically with respect to the land and minimal intervention winemaking with no new oak. In addition to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, Melville also produces Rhone varietals such as Syrah and Viognier from their 120 acres of vineyards in the heart of the Sta. Rita Hills.