2019 Melville Syrah Estate Donna's Block
Community Tasting Note
Cabfrancophile Likes this wine:
Saturday, January 28, 2023 - Literally made my mouth water smelling it from the glass--Kalamata olive, smoked game, basil oil, white pepper, violet. The level of complexity is mind warping--as it opens up, roasted peppers, thyme, mulberry, and a sanguine character come into play. Mid-weight, medium plus acidity, rounded mid-palate, herbaceous finish. Ripe, but grippy tannins, with a mild bitterness on the finish that didn't shake fully with air.
I am increasingly thinking this vintage needs like 5-7 years to knit together, with the 'raw' flavors and ripping acidity likely to integrate. The finish held back this bottle a bit (and very well could improve), but otherwise this was like a M.C. Escher or perhaps a Hieronymus Bosch for the gustatory senses.
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3 comments have been posted
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Comment posted by MattMauldin:
1/29/2023 8:33:00 PM - Nice note! Definitely agree that 2019 Santa Barbara Syrahs and Pinots need time.
Comment posted by Cabfrancophile:
1/30/2023 7:30:00 AM - Yeah, this vintage for Donna's stood out, almost as if it's like the Estate Syrah on steroids, rather than the more perfumed style of other recent vintages. It reminds me of a young Loire red--angular and brimming with non-fruit complexity, but also savory and fresh. And those take until age 10+ to really knit together.
Comment posted by MattMauldin:
1/31/2023 10:17:00 PM - For such a cool vintage in SBC, the wines really have a ton of richness along with the savory power. Once that subsides and the fruit emerges a little more I think the best wines will be remarkable.