Melville 2017 Chardonnay Estate   

2017 Melville Chardonnay “Estate” Santa Rita Hills
NVWE Notes: Balancing fruit, spice and mineral notes of nearly equal intensity, this classy bottling is a textbook example of the racy Melville style. The aromas are a coiled melange of dry yellow peach, golden fig jam, baked apple, dry golden mulberry and nougat scents counterpointed by flinty minerality. It has a cutting, Burgundy-esque mouth-feel while delivering Melville’s signature flavors of peach, apple, fig, golden mulberry, quince and yellow rose. A lingering finish, centered on dry peach, is rendered chalky-dry by the ever-present minerality. Ideal for sea foods, it is ready to enjoy. 1040 cases produced.

Wine Enthusiast
93 Points
A heady mix of light wood, tart frozen yogurt, honeysuckle and orange rind hit the nose on this bottling. The lactic element pops on the fresh palate as well, where a steely, clean line of yuzu zest cuts through the crème fraiche. Matt Kettmann  9/1/2020

Vinous
93 Points
The 2017 Chardonnay Estate is fascinating to taste next to the 2018. It is a bit less exotic and more citrus driven in profile, with notable persistence and fine overall balance. Lemon confit, baked apple and a kiss of new French oak meld together effortlessly. A hint of reduction add character without overpowering the wine. Drink 2020 - 2025 Antonio Galloni Aug 2020