Our Rating
Sta. Rita Hills
Syrah
Syrah can be a bit of a chameleon, shifting in style depending on where it’s grown. In warmer climates, it leans into bold fruit and high alcohol, while in cooler regions, it develops an earthier, spicier edge. The 2019 Melville Estate Syrah lands in the latter camp, showcasing the elegance and complexity that Sta. Rita Hills can coax from this grape. This is not an inky, fruit-bomb Syrah; instead, it’s a wine of depth and restraint, layered with pepper, smoke, and savory herbs. Whether you enjoy it now or let it evolve over the next several years, this Syrah has plenty to offer.
Melville Winery is one of the most respected names in Sta. Rita Hills, a region known for its coastal influence and exceptional Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Founded in the late 1990s by Ron Melville, the estate was built with a clear focus on farming. From the start, Melville prioritized estate-grown fruit and meticulous vineyard management, believing that great wine begins in the vineyard. Today, the winery remains family-run, with Chad Melville continuing the tradition of crafting expressive, terroir-driven wines from their 120-acre estate.
Chad Melville grew up surrounded by wine, though his journey to winemaking wasn’t exactly linear. After starting his career in finance, he felt the pull of the vineyards and returned to the family business in the late 1990s. Over the years, he has honed a winemaking style that emphasizes minimal intervention and a deep connection to the land. Chad’s approach with Syrah is hands-off—letting the site and the fruit shine rather than imposing a heavy-handed winemaking signature. He utilizes whole-cluster fermentation, neutral oak aging, and extended maceration to enhance the wine’s complexity and structure.
The wine pours a deep ruby color with a high viscosity, clinging to the glass as it swirls. Though dark in appearance, it remains clear rather than opaque, hinting at its balance between richness and elegance.
The aromatics are both intense and inviting. Classic Syrah notes of black pepper, clove, and olive stand out, layered with dark berry fruit, cedar, and a hint of tobacco. There’s also a subtle graphite and smoky quality, adding intrigue and depth to the nose.
The palate echoes the nose, with black pepper and clove leading the way, followed by blueberry, blackberry, and a touch of licorice. There’s an underlying savory note—smoke, olive, and a hint of mint—that keeps the wine complex and engaging. Medium-plus tannins provide structure without overwhelming, while bright acidity gives the wine energy and lift. The finish is long, carrying lingering spice and dark fruit.
The 2019 Melville Estate Syrah is a wine that rewards patience and attention. It’s not the kind of Syrah that overwhelms with sheer power; rather, it impresses with its structure, balance, and layering of flavors. While it’s drinking beautifully now, it has the potential to evolve over the next five to seven years, gaining even more depth along the way.
Critics have recognized its quality:
For $35, this wine overdelivers in every way. Whether you’re a long-time Syrah fan or just starting to explore the varietal, this is a bottle worth seeking out.
USA
Sta. Rita Hills
Syrah
13.8
Chad Melville
30 Minutes
Now to 2029
Melville Winery
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