Showing more minerality than the Verna’s, the 2012 Syrah Estate Sta. Rita Hills saw a similar elevage, with 30% whole clusters, fermentation in open top stainless steel fermenters and aging 11 months in neutral oak. It’s a classic Syrah and exhibits beautifully pure aromas and flavors of ground herbs, pepper, leather and smoked meats that are grounded by a core of dark fruit. Full-bodied, voluptuous, deep and layered, it too is an awesome wine that tastes like it cost three times what it does. Hold onto your hats, as these latest releases from Chad Melville and winemaker Greg Brewer are off-the-charts good! While both of the Chardonnays are beautiful, and play in the clean, crisp and medium-bodied spectrum, it’s the 2012 Pinot Noirs and Syrahs that are incredible across the board. The Pinot Noirs all see varying degrees of whole cluster and are aged completely in neutral French oak barrels. The Syrahs see slightly less whole cluster inclusion, but are also aged all in neutral French oak. In case you missed the prices/scores listed above, these are some of the greatest values in the world of wine today! Tel. (805) 735-7030; www.melvillewinery.com