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United States · California

Melville

Melville Winery was established in 1989 in the Sta. Rita Hills AVA of Santa Barbara County, with Ron and Brent Melville planting one of the region's first dedicated Pinot Noir and Syrah vineyards. The estate spans 110 acres, making it one of the larger single-estate operations in the appellation, and practices certified sustainable viticulture. The clone program is central to Melville's identity — wines are often designated by specific Dijon or Pommard clones, including Clone 115 Indigene (estate-selected), which produces a distinctive whole-cluster-fermented wine. At auction, 145 lots have traded at an average of $60 per bottle, ranging from $18 to $523. The Terraces Pinot Noir leads volume with 48 lots at $62 average; Clone 115 Indigene averages $65 across 16 lots. Syrah, including the High Density Syrah from a densely planted 3x3 foot spacing block, adds breadth to the portfolio. Carrie's Pinot Noir — a single-barrel selection — commands the highest per-bottle values at auction, with older vintages from 2012-2016 reaching into the $200s. Wine Spectator has awarded Melville's top Pinot Noirs scores in the 93-96 range. The $523 ceiling reflects magnums of the best vintages of Carrie's or the reserve tiers.

Melville farms 110 contiguous estate acres in Sta. Rita Hills, one of the larger single-estate operations in the appellation, with certified sustainable viticulture.
The Clone 115 Indigene Pinot Noir is propagated from estate-selected massal selection, whole-cluster fermented, and averages $65 at auction across 16 lots.
Carrie's Pinot Noir — a single-barrel selection from the estate's finest blocks — commands premium prices, with top auction results reaching $523 for large formats or strong vintages.
High Density Syrah is planted at 3x3 foot spacing — among the densest in California — producing concentrated fruit with restrained alcohol, typically scoring 92-95 points.

Auction Lots

480

Avg Price / Bottle

$46

Top Vintage

2008

Price Range

$1 – $523

In the Glass

Sta. Rita Hills estate Pinot Noir with cool-climate precision: dark cherry, pomegranate, dried violet, and iron-tinged earth. Clone 115 wines add whole-cluster spice and structural depth. Syrah shows savory olive, smoked meat, and dark fruit. Chardonnay Clone 76, fermented without oak (Inox), delivers pure citrus and mineral austerity. The house style prizes structure and acid over richness.

Portfolio

WineColourAvg PriceLots SoldTop Vintage
Donna's SyrahRed$54782008
Pinot Noir EstateRed$49772016
Pinot Noir TerracesRed$57652019
Sandy's Pinot NoirRed$39542012
Estate SyrahRed$30462014
Pinot Noir Block MRed$47422018
Chardonnay Clone 76 InoxWhite$30222015
Pinot Noir Clone 115 IndigeneRed$58202012
Chardonnay EstateWhite$41182007
Anna's Block Pinot NoirRed$36162016
Carrie's Pinot NoirRed$52132009
Vernas SyrahRed$33132012
High Density SyrahRed$34112005
Clone 943 Pinot NoirRed$2752018

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spectrum

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klwines

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acker

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Melville is based in the California wine region.

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