Small Lot Collection
One of the most popular blocks from our Small Lot Collection, Sandy’s is situated on just that – sand. As Pinot Noir is a thin, delicate-skinned grape reflecting the characteristics of the soil in which it grows, a low nutrient, well-drained, sandy soil requires a lot of care and attention in our farming efforts. The result, however, is truly a sensual delight…leading to a lifted, delicate, and pretty wine with wildly intense aromatics of rose petal and dried flowers. Sandy’s Block includes selections from Calera (Clone 90) and clones 828, 459 and 114, which when grown in sand (in addition to perfumed aromatics) deliver an ethereal and harmonic palate impression. With 25% whole cluster, this wine fermented with skin and stem contact for about 30 days, followed by eight gentle hours in our basket press, before going into neutral French oak. Named after Chad’s favorite (and only) Aunt, and one of the greatest humans on Earth, Sandy’s Block is a Melville MVP, just like Aunt Sandy.
Tasting Notes: Vibrant crimson, Sandy’s unfolds aromatic layers of rose petal, dried violet, incense resin and pink peppercorns. On the palate, concentrated red fruits like fresh Bing cherry, Japanese red plums and cranberry relish are lifted by elegant and showy rosewater, coriander seeds and ground clove. A pretty and perfumed front palate ends with mouth-coating acidity and a velvety dusting of dark cocoa bean powder.
