Over on the west side lies Anna’s Block, planted in 2001 on a gentle southern slope in the northwest portion of the vineyard. This area is one of Melville's most even-ripening blocks as the rows are planted in a north-south orientation, receiving a consistent exposure to the cold-climate sun. The soil is a well-drained and low nutrient sandy loam, causing the vines to work incredibly hard to survive. This stress, combined with their targeted care and attention, leads Anna’s to produce small clusters and small berries, which equates to concentrated fruit that is exquisitely perfumed and inviting. Planted to two different Dijon clones working well in tandem, Clone 667 is known for producing high-quality wines in Burgundy and brings intense color, structure, depth and ageability, while the earlier ripening Clone 114 offers richness and stuffing. 67% whole cluster.
JEB DUNNUCK 94 POINTS - "The 2022 Pinot Noir Anna's Block is more perfumed than the 2021, yet it doesn't quite have that vintage's precision either. Gamey red cherries, framboise, sappy spring flowers, and foresty, minty notes all shine here, and it brings plenty of classic Sta. Rita Hills iodine and salty sea breeze-like character. I love it on the palate, and it's supple, has a seamless, elegant mouthfeel, polished tannins, and a great finish. This complex, nuanced, incredibly satisfying Pinot Noir can be drunk any time over the coming 7-8 years, if not longer."
ROBERT PARKER'S WINE ADVOCATE 93+ POINTS - "As with many producers that arose during the early 2000s heyday of power and punch, the Melville wines have undergone substantial refinement over the ensuing decades. Chad Melville has been in charge of winemaking since 2015 and has admirably brought freshness and vibrancy to the wines while retaining their signature taut focus. Whole-cluster fermentations, cold soaks, long macerations and élevage in neutral barrique are central winemaking philosophies, and the maturity of their Sta. Rita Hills estate vineyards, now approaching their third decade, have contributed to a more naturally refined style."
"The 2022 Pinot Noir Anna's Block hails from loamy soils in the western portion of the Melville West estate site and was fermented with 60% whole clusters. Aromas of dark exotic spices, bergamot and black cherries transition to a suave, silky palate that displays beautiful precision and elegance. The finish is tight and inward, clearly displaying the drying influence of stems, which will take time to soften in the cellar. As with much of the Melville lineup, this is beautiful and intentionally crafted but will require patience."
JEB DUNNUCK 94 POINTS - "The 2022 Pinot Noir Anna's Block is more perfumed than the 2021, yet it doesn't quite have that vintage's precision either. Gamey red cherries, framboise, sappy spring flowers, and foresty, minty notes all shine here, and it brings plenty of classic Sta. Rita Hills iodine and salty sea breeze-like character. I love it on the palate, and it's supple, has a seamless, elegant mouthfeel, polished tannins, and a great finish. This complex, nuanced, incredibly satisfying Pinot Noir can be drunk any time over the coming 7-8 years, if not longer."
ROBERT PARKER'S WINE ADVOCATE 93+ POINTS - "As with many producers that arose during the early 2000s heyday of power and punch, the Melville wines have undergone substantial refinement over the ensuing decades. Chad Melville has been in charge of winemaking since 2015 and has admirably brought freshness and vibrancy to the wines while retaining their signature taut focus. Whole-cluster fermentations, cold soaks, long macerations and élevage in neutral barrique are central winemaking philosophies, and the maturity of their Sta. Rita Hills estate vineyards, now approaching their third decade, have contributed to a more naturally refined style."
"The 2022 Pinot Noir Anna's Block hails from loamy soils in the western portion of the Melville West estate site and was fermented with 60% whole clusters. Aromas of dark exotic spices, bergamot and black cherries transition to a suave, silky palate that displays beautiful precision and elegance. The finish is tight and inward, clearly displaying the drying influence of stems, which will take time to soften in the cellar. As with much of the Melville lineup, this is beautiful and intentionally crafted but will require patience."