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.