At a glance

Producer

Melville Winery

Region

Sta. Rita Hills, Santa Barbara County, California, USA

Grape variety

Pinot Noir

Wine type

Red

Body

Medium-bodied and Fruity

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$50-$70 USD

Tasting profile

Bright raspberry, cherry, rose petals, subtle earth and tea leaf, a hint of oak spice. Slightly compact, needs time to unfurl.

Evolution: Will develop more layered aromatics, tertiary forest floor, sous bois, and richer texture over 3-6 years.

At peak: Supple red and black fruit, complex spice, savory undercurrents, harmonious balance with resolved tannins and lingering minerality.

Structure

Acidity

Vibrant, lifting the fruit profile

Tannins

Moderate, fine-grained

Alcohol

Medium (typically 13.5-14.5%)

Aging potential

5-10 years from vintage for optimal development; can age longer in ideal cellaring conditions

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2027 to 2030

Optimal window

2026 to 2032

Current status

Recently bottled, still primary and youthful. Intended for mid-term cellaring.

Current condition

Tightly wound, fresh red fruit, underlying floral and mineral notes, moderate tannins.

Melville Sandy's Block Pinot Noir is renowned for its intensity, finesse and structure, sourced from a cool, windy part of Sta. Rita Hills. The 2023 will reward patience—its concentration, acid, and tannin structure suggest greatest complexity and integration from 4-8 years post-vintage. Drinking earlier will showcase brightness and purity; cellaring allows for evolution of earth and umami complexity.

Food pairing

Duck breast with cherry sauce, wild mushroom risotto, roast chicken with herbs, seared salmon, mild soft cheeses.

Serving

Decant

Not required

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 8/10

Melville farms its estate vineyards sustainably, using cover crops, limited chemicals, integrated pest management, and has invested in water conservation technology. Native yeast fermentations, solar power at the winery, lightweight glass bottles. No herbicides; hand-harvesting prioritizes labor standards.

Melville is a leader in sustainable viticulture in Sta. Rita Hills. Estate ownership allows complete farming control, and SIP Certification attests to strong third-party standards. While not fully organic or biodynamic, Melville’s environmental stewardship, energy efficiency, water savings, biodiversity practices, and packaging upgrades contribute to a favorable sustainability score. Still, global shipping remains a footprint factor for international buyers.