More rich and full, with ripe pear, flowers, melon and baking spices all emerging from the glass, the 2011 Chardonnay Estate is medium-bodied and lively on the palate, with solid mid-palate flesh and depth to go with juicy, if not racy acidity on the finish. More textured and rich than the Clone 76 – Inox, yet not quite as well integrated, it will have another 3-4 years or longevity, although I see no reason to hold off. Drink now-2016.
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