Since there is no TN for this wine here and I had a bottle last night for Thanksgiving, I figured I'd do one. Wine not decanted, just opened for 20 minutes prior to tasting. Tasted from Riedel Vinum Burg stems.

Wine is a deep, dark garnet color. Aromatics of strawberry and spice. This wine is medium-full bodied with a plush mouthfeel. But unlike many over-ripe CA Pinots, this one still looks smells and tastes like an excellent Pinot Noir. Pretty black cherry, bramble and a bit of anise. The oak works very well in this wine, releasing a little vanilla, but not overpowering the pure fruit in any way. Sturdy tannins, so I will do my best to give this another year to coalesce before touching any of my remaining 5 bottles. Long finish, at least 30 seconds. jb Rating 92pts.

I paid $20 for my bottles, but most should find it for about $22-$25. I think this is an A- for QPR. Best deal on CA Pinot I have seen in quite a while.

BTW, keep an eye out for the homepage Winery Spotlight on Melville Winery. It should be posted next week.

jb

when it comes to qpr, i give this wine an A. one normally does not find pinot noir this good in this price range.

$21.99 @ Wine Library.

Haven't tried it yet.

$17.99 at The Wine Club! YAY!

http://store.yahoo.com/thewineclub-store/00000004257.html

stemor-what do they charge for shipping?

Looks like they are sold out. I clicked on the buy button and it said there was no stock left. I would buy more at $18.

jb

ojeffso,

Something like $30/case.

$19.99 @ Wiinex. A true no brainer for all pinot fans. JB's TNs describe this wine well. The '01 is a step above the '00 in terms of its spice scents and flavors and its overall complexity.

I believe that the winery still has plenty of this wine left. I think it is $24. Also. Wine Library doesn't have any right now, but should recieve more late next week.

jb

Revisiting this wine again tonight. Still fantastic and is an ever evolving Pinot. Was a bit abrasive and acidic initially, but now is a wonderful berry, spicy, nuanced wine. The nose keeps getting better. This is every bit of the 92 pts I gave it and should have a nice evolution over the next 5 years. Glad I still have 7 left.

jb

Thanks for the notes. I notice both winex.com and the wine club have this for around $18 each. I think I will get some based on this.

Anyone try the Melville 2001 estate Chardonnay?

Never mind.. Look and ye shall find! That would be a pass on the chard.

Had this wine tonight with a cool friend of mine. I agree with JB's post and score, but wanted to add that this wine is young and needs time. Plentiful acidity, and a little ripe.. This wine is sure to come around in a year or two and become a very nice well balanced wine.

I just tried this as well and think that you are right, revlis. It was a little firm on the acidity and needed to soften, but I cannot think of very many Pinots that are this good at $17 each?

Very true smaug. :-) Amazing QPR wine in my eye.

Actually a comparison of 2000 and 2001

Tried my first Melville PN's last week. First tried the 2000 which I picked up by accident and then the 2001. I found the 2000 to be lighter bodied with actually maybe more complexity but a slightly bitter note on the finish. While the 2001 was a much bigger fuller bodied pinot with concentrated fruit and a much smoother finish. I found the aromatics on the 2000 actually more pronounced and the 2001 a little closed down. I would still give the overall edge to the 2001 because of the weight and finish, would rate the 2000 89+ pts and the 2001 91 pts. Will definitely be picking up a couple more.

How are you guys getting these to NJ? They do not Ship to us.

That wine is in local stores LCC, as is the Carries.

I got them from the Wine Library. The Syrah is a little tougher to get your hands on.

Yes, I know. I mean the bottles that you can only get from the winery.

Bought the 2001 @ Wine Library, 2000 at Liquor Locker