This year, Melville celebrates 30 years of grape growing in the Sta. Rita Hills, and over that time this family-run estate has firmly established itself in the upper echelon of producers in the region. Entirely dedicated to estate-grown, organically farmed fruit and classical, refined winemaking, Melville crafts wines that stand among the purest expressions of place you’ll find anywhere in California. While the Pinot Noirs of Sta. Rita Hills often steal the spotlight, this is also an absolutely magical place to grow Chardonnay. Just ten miles from the Pacific, the sandy soils and ultra-cool climate of Melville’s estate yield a wine that is crystalline, vibrant, and laser-focused, driven by electric natural acidity. The estate is planted to an impressive array of Chardonnay clones—from Dijon and UC Davis selections to heritage massal cuttings from Hanzell, Mount Eden, and Hudson—adding layers of nuance and complexity. Fermented and aged entirely in neutral oak, with no malolactic fermentation, the philosophy here is clear: precision over opulence, minerality over weight, tension over ripeness. The aromatics are beautifully defined—preserved lemon, white florals, baked golden apple, cracked rye, lime leaf, and wet stone. On the palate, it’s incredibly refreshing and alive, with mouthwatering energy and a clean, mineral-laced finish that calls you back for another sip. Delicious now for its vibrancy and lift, this is also a Chardonnay that should evolve gracefully over the next 3–5 years, if not longer. At 25% off, our Insider’s Advantage price represents exceptional value. Load up—summer is right around the corner.