2014 Melville Estate Pinot Noir Block M Santa Rita Hills

Red currants, dried rose petals, cured meats and savory herbs all emerge from the 2014 Pinot Noir Block M, which is medium-bodied, elegant and supple on the palate, yet has a solid kick of savory tannin that gives me pause. There's lots of tannin here, and it needs 2-3 years of cellaring to come together.

The 2014 Pinot Noir Block M is the most structured and tightly wound of these wines. Dark red and purplish stone fruits, cherry pit and white pepper give the 2014 much of its high-toned personality. The 2014 offers lovely density and yet the whole clusters give the wine a sense of weightlessness that is hugely appealing. The 80% whole clusters are mostly felt in the wine's structure, but less in its flavor profile.