2021 Love & Terroir "Melville Vineyard" Syrah

93 Points - Wine Enthusiast

"This is a pretty challenging but ultimately fascinating cool-climate Syrah. It begins with funky aromas of charred tobacco, kelp and herb on the nose. The palate also show seaweed alongside a dark plum base, and the persistent rainbow peppercorn spice keeps it interesting till the very end." -Matt Kettmann

Crafted exclusively from a small, sandy parcel of fruit grown on Melville’s Sta. Rita Hills estate, our Syrah is a blend of five different clones: Estrella, Beaucastel 99, 1, 383, and 470. Each clone contributes its own unique characteristics to the wine, resulting in a complex and nuanced flavor profile.

The Estrella, 383, and 470 clones are planted in nutrient-deficient, well-drained sand, which imparts an intoxicating bouquet of white pepper flowers and spice. In contrast, the Clone 99 from Block I is planted in denser sandy loam soil, adding depth and richness to the wine.

Harvested in mid to late November, 20% of the fruit was gently de-stemmed, while the remaining 80% was left as whole clusters. The grapes were fermented in small 1.5-ton open-top fermenters, with total skin and stem contact averaging 35 days.