2017 Melville Chardonnay Clone 76 Inox

2017 Melville Chardonnay Clone 76 Inox

2017 Melville Chardonnay Clone 76 Inox Pale straw in color, this wine radiates with exotic and vibrant aromatics of stone fruits, cherimoya, fresh coconut and lemon verbena. With time, crisp notes of sea spray, kiwi and honeydew melon emerge along with inviting floral components of gardenia flower, lime blossom and honeysuckle. On the palate, this 2017 wine is concentrated and pure, with an intriguing oily texture that adds allure to the wine’s energetic and captivating finish.

91 Jeb Dunnuck Brought up in stainless steel, the 2016 Chardonnay Clone 76 Inox sports a light gold color as well crisp, clean notes of citrus blossom, lots of salty minerality, and white flower notes. Medium-bodied, fresh and crisp on the palate, it has terrific acidity and is an outstanding Chardonnay.

About Melville

There is no place on earth quite like the Sta. Rita Hills. The highly unusual east-west (or transverse) mountain range, close proximity to the cold Pacific, consistent coastal fog, and steady afternoon breezes together create ideal conditions for growing cold-climate Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Syrah. Ron Melville and his sons recognized that these exceptional conditions, combined with their commitment to “winegrowing,” would result in wines of remarkable quality. Melville Vineyards was established in 1996 in the heart of the Sta. Rita Hills and has since become one of the most highly-regarded estates in California.

With the guidance of Head Winegrower, Chad Melville, Melville’s full-time vineyard crew nurtures their 120 estate acres organically, paying close attention to the health of both the vines and the soil. Farming aggressively, yet carefully, and with the utmost respect to Mother Nature, helps encourage the vines to produce small amounts of intensely flavored/concentrated fruit. At the time of harvest, they consider the wines to already be made, and strive to not interfere with their natural path in the cellar. To this effect, they maintain a minimalist approach by aging their wines only in neutral French oak and stainless steel and utilize whole cluster fermentation to contribute to the depth, structure, and complexity of their wines.