Looking at the reds, the 2011 Pinot Noir Estate, which saw 40% whole clusters in fermentation, offers up a translucent ruby color as well as a complex, savory bouquet of currants, black cherries, stem, pepper, smoke and a gun flint-like minerality. Aged all in neutral barrels, this medium-bodied, supple 2011 has good ripeness, a light, clean texture and solid length on the finish. While there’s not a huge amount of depth here, I love the overall balance and it is downright fun to drink. Enjoy it over the coming 3-4 years. Drink now-2017. Winemaker Greg Brewer and grower Chad Melville continue to knock it out of the park with these Melville releases. Focusing on site, if not plot, specific releases, neutral oak, no SO2 until racking and varying degrees of whole cluster are the norm here. The wines have individual characters and, stylistically, lean toward the more complex, finesse-driven side of the spectrum. They “wow” more for their balance and nuance than their power and richness. They also remain reasonably priced! Tel. (805) 735-7030; www.melvillewinery.com