2023 Melville Estate Pinot Noir Sta. Rita Hills Block M

“Fermented with 80% whole clusters and aged in neutral wood, the 2023 Pinot Noir Block M sees the highest stem inclusion in the lineup. Ruby/plum in hue, it offers black raspberries, spice, rose petals, and damp underbrush, with beautifully integrated stems. Medium-bodied and vibrant, it has a seamless texture, sound underlying structure, and a gorgeous finish. This might be the finest Pinot Noir I've tasted from Melville. While far from unapproachable today, it will benefit from a year or two in bottle and drink well through 2038. Maturity: 2026 – 2038” – Jeb Dunnuck Review Date: September 2025

“The 2023 Pinot Noir Estate Block M is wonderful, and also the most generous, accessible and complete of these small-lot bottlings today. Rounded and supple, it's soft-spoken but oozes with floral complexity. Blood orange, lavender, potpourri, incense and sandalwood aromas drip with finesse and elegance, enshrouding a long, layered finish. The 80% whole clusters are perfectly integrated. The 2023 rings out in harmony. Drinking Window: 2025 – 2035” – Billy Norris Review Date: August 2025

“Vivid and exotic aromas of Suriname cherry, black tea, sumac and black peppercorn engage the nose on this block-designated bottling. The palate is energetic and brisk, pairing strawberry with elegant mac and star anise flavors.” – Matt Kettmann Review Date: September 2025

“A distinctive red, with savory, rosemary, sanguine and rose hip threads that ripple through a core of gently mulled blood orange, bitter cherry and damson plum. Subtle echoes of mesquite and sous-bois linger on the finish. For the cellar. Best from 2026 through 2036.” – James Molesworth Review Date: September 2025