Chad Melville works in the western hills of the Santa Ynez Valley, a paradoxical landscape of exceptional cool temperatures - despite being less than 150 miles from Los Angeles! This is down to its unusual east-west orientation, which funnels the cool Pacific winds down the valley's length. These conditions create incredibly sunny vineyards with every hint of moisture pulled from the surface of the grapes by the wind. The intense concentration, brilliant flavour, and harsh, stressful environment create some of the finest Pinot, Chardonnay and Syrah.
The history of the estate starts in 1989 when grape grower Ron Melville upped sticks and moved from Knight’s Valley in Sonoma down to this property in Santa Ynez. Nowadays run by Ron and his sons Chad & Brent, Chad has taken over most of the winemaking duties. Chad’s philosophy is simple: "At the time of harvest, we consider the wines to be already made and strive not to interfere with their natural path.” In other words, making is neutral, wines should reflect their vintage and what results in clean, clear, fruit-driven wines. Magnificent.