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Item Number: 7393

UPC: None

Country: USA
Region: California Sub Region: Santa Barbara
Appellation/AVA: Sta. Rita Hills
Estate Grown Wine: Yes
Vineyard Designation: Block M
Vintage: 2012
Grape(s): 100% Pinot Noir
Type: Wine - Red
Bottle Size: 750ml Pack: 12
Closure: Cork
Alc by Vol(%): 14.6
Case Production: 577


Winemaking Notes: Formerly known as Carrie's, Block M is a wind swept mesa on Melville's western parcel adjacent to their Terraces block. Sitting atop a sun exposed mesa with several feet of botella clay soil, the extremity of Block M is enhanced by the gravitational pull on three exposed sides forcing the roots to search deeper for sustenance. Melville Block M is made up of equal amounts of clones 114 and 115. The lesser known 114 is lush, velvety and textural with an elegantly pliant internal core, while clone 115 delivers fruit at a higher pitch coupled with a more structurally pronounced personality. The marriage of these complementary components is what renders the Melville Block M bottling so complete. 20% of the fruit was gently destemmed with 80% remaining as whole clusters. Wine was aged in neutral barrels (5 to 20 years old French oak).

Tasting Notes: Boasting a dark crimson hue, opulent fruit aromatics of apple cider, brandied cherries, strawberry gelatin and black currants are immediately apparent while more gentle nuances of toasted nori, soy, perilla leaf and cinnamon stick linger in the background. On the palate the wine is pristine and intense with a gorgeous purity that finishes with significant length and density.