2013 Melville Pinot Noir Estate Verna's

Community Tasting Notes (18) Avg Score: 89.6 points

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  11/25/2020 - Minnesota wrote: 90 Points

  After reading CT tasters' notes did not hold out much hope. Decanted two hours prior thinking, well perhaps decent food wine. Thankfully tasted on its own and sipped pre-dinner. Did not expect WOW but impressed at its price point + age. Seems pinot-people reside in divided camps.

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  8/27/2017 - ajbergren wrote: 88 Points

  Really beautiful translucent burgundy red with low optical density and very high reflectivity. The nose is simple but intense, with light cherry, cola, and some floral earthy red fruit peels. Light in body, with refreshing acidity and a glossy texture, this is easy drinking with light tannin intensity. Flavours are deceptively light, as there is complexity lurking behind the initially simple profile, with some density and concentration to carry things. Deep cherry and earthy tobacco leaf on the attack, with a simple richness that is mainly driven by fruit intensity, but very delicious and with more subtle flavours behind things. In this background, we find strawberry, raspberry, and some spicy toast notes, with some celery seed and vegetal notes in the mix as well. The midpalate is not overly deep, but it is interesting. The finish is medium, with cherry pit and smoky leather.
  
  This is interesting, crowd-pleasing comfort wine. Easy going, nice to drink, but still interesting and complex enough to carry itself. Lots of vividness and fresh fruit, which drives things for sure. Still, dry enough and with just enough structure to tame the juicy sweetness just enough to avoid a cherry cola type of California PN, which certainly there seems to be enough of. Well priced, and ready to drink, this is nice, and while not the most stunning example by any means, there is no reason not to have bottle of this wine to use as a comforting blanket.

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  6/6/2017 - srh Likes this wine:

  "100% Melville estate frt from our Los Alamos estate, this bottling is a composed of clones 2A, 667, 777, & Merry Edwards Selection. 33% was fermented as whole-clusters with 67% gently de-stemmed in small (1.5 ton) open-top fermenters. Total skin & stem contact averaged 30 days (7 day cold soak, 2+ wks of fermentation, & 1+ wk extended maceration). From the press, the wine was transferred directly into neutral barrel (5-12 yr old FR oak), where it remained sur lie without sulfur until April, when it was gently racked for the first time & prepared for bottling in July. Yields were 3.8 lbs/vine (3.2 tons/acre)." 4,448 cs released 1/7/15.
  
  N: Ripe, Central Coast-type aromas
  
  P: Med body; Decent frt with bracing acidity mid-P which slowly transitions to a LONG, spicy, VERY slightly tangy, austere finish. IF we had any more of this, we'd drink it ASAP since the frt may very well be drying out. 92 pts WE @ $28, & 91 Vinous (Raynolds)

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  3/6/2017 - asplatt19 wrote: 86 Points

  Nose hits you with perfumed & floral highlights which carries through to the palate along with spicy pepper flavors. Would have rated the wine higher, but there is also a bitterness to the taste which diminishes slightly after breathing for at least 30 minutes but not completely or fully enough for my liking. This is not a wine to drink without food. Sharp cheese and other strong flavors from food are needed to mute the harshness of the wine.

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  2/11/2017 - ajbergren wrote: 92 Points

  Pale burgundy red with low optical density and very high reflectivity. Huge intensity nose, with good complexity, showing spicy earth and cherry, with some savory herbal character, chorizo, pork belly, and some aromatic florals mixed with light red berries. Really interesting nose! Medium body and glossy texture on the palate, with medium acidity and a broad range of grain on the tannin, which is medium intensity on the back end. Flavours of cherry, and spicy earth on the attack, with a pick up from pork belly and buttery herbs at midpalate. Really nice depth and complexity here, but yet in a way that is not overwhelming or over the top- quite well done! The finish is of some dried fruit fruits, and bacon smoke, with medium minus length, but decent intensity. Overall, good complexity and layering here for a really nice intensity and range of flavours.
  
  This is really nice wine- thoughtful, enjoyable, and a great example of California Pinot Noir that is beyond skin deep. Well priced, wonderful to drink, and in a very good spot at the moment. Really nice wine with plenty of personality!

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