2022 Love & Terroir "Melville Vineyard" Syrah

94 Points - Wine Enthusiast

"Not much of the Melville fruit goes to other labels, so this project by sommelier David Castleberry is a rare chance to taste another side to this estate. This carries the vineyard's cool-climate hallmarks, starting light in the glass and opening on the nose with rosemary, peppercorn and kalamata olive aromas. The palate is zesty with danky herbal tones that decorate the brisk red fruit and citrus tones that fly into the finish." -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, 30% of the fruit was gently de-stemmed, while the remaining 70% 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.