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93 WA.
"Light ruby in color, the 2011 Pinot Noir Sandy’s comes from a 4-acre plot of very sandy soils and saw 15% stem inclusion and aging in all neutral French oak. Beautifully perfumed and elegant, with complex underbrush, red currants, kirsch and crushed stone aromas and flavors, this silky, supple and finely textured effort builds on the palate, has good acidity and plenty of length. As with the estate Pinot Noir, it is already complex and approachable, with a delicious, easygoing feel. I would drink it over the coming 5-6 years, although it could easily evolve longer . . . . 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." Wine Advocate #208, Aug 2013 |