Me being a Pinot Noir lover I'm always on the look out for great Pinot's that won't break the bank. This is always a challenge when trying to locate one from Burgundy. So I've recently been sampling wines from the great 2007 California vintage (see Article #4 - 2007 California Pinot Noir - "Is it Really that Good?").
California has long-struggled with the fickle Pinot Noir grape, but cooler climate regions like Santa Rita hills, Russian River Valley, & Mendocino's Anderson Valley have all emerged as prime spots for Pinot Noir in California. Luckily we have access to some of the best producers in these regions & our latest score is limited production Pinot's by Melville from Santa Rita Hills. Greg Brewer is the winemaker & in my mind one of the best in the region. He also does Brewer-Clifton & if you've read the latest Robert Parker Wine Advocate you'd see that 10 of the Top 17 "Recommended California Chardonnay and Pinot Noir" are from Brewer-Clifton.
While most of those wines are in the $100 + range, Melville's wines are $25-$50, which for me is my comfort zone. I recently tried the 2007 Melville Pinot Noir Estate & the 'Terraces' & both were showing exceptionally well. Being a Burgundy lover first & foremost I think these wines have that added dimension that most California Pinot's lack, showing lovely Pinot Noir aromas of strawberry, black raspberry and a hint of vanilla. Both were very nicely balanced & have the stuffing to age for 5-7+ years. Delicious, delicious wines and for the prices, are not to be missed!