Melville - Estate Syrah - Donna's Block

Overview: Situated amongst the beautiful rolling hills of Western Santa Ynez Valley, Melville is dedicated to producing exceptional cold-climate Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Syrah grown exclusively in their estate vineyards throughout the Sta. Rita Hills appellation.

Named for Ron Melville's wife, Donna's Block is planted atop twenty feet of sand in the northern section of our eastside vineyard and is composed of equal parts clone 1 and Estrella selection. Fermented with 100% whole clusters and aged in neutral barrel, this wine provides vividly enhanced aromatics and structure making it demonstrative of the extremely cold climate of the site on which it is grown. Fruit was fermented in small 1.5 ton open-top fermenters with total skin and stem contact averaging 35 days (7 day cold soak, 2+ weeks fermentation and 1+ week extended maceration). From the basket press, the wine was transferred directly into neutral French oak barrels where it remained sur lie before being prepared for bottling in March 2020.

Tasting Notes: A strikingly vivid, broad profile. With aromas of everything from dried lavender, coriander, smoked meat and saffron to olive tapenade and ripe red pepper, the palate is somehow even more alluring, with a texture that is both velvety and structured. Flavors of ripe black plum, blueberry and cherry are complemented by herbaceous and floral elements of fennel seed, white and pink peppercorn, mint, and lilac. Donna’s is a wine to savor and lingers long on the palate with refreshing saline minerality.

Pairing: Lamb

Points: 96, Wine Enthusiast

Format/ABV: 750 ml/14.1%

In certain circumstances, a specific vintage may not be available. If this is the case, a comparable vintage of the same wine will be substituted for online orders. If shopping in store, please check the bottle for the appropriate vintage. If you have a question about a specific vintage that is in stock, please email wine@kegnbottle.com