Description
WINEMAKERS NOTES
MELBURY originates from a spectacular property on the slopes north of Lake Hennessey, in the hills east of Rutherford.
The name Melbury is in homage to an historic area in London, where the estate owners reside much of the year. Since its debut with the 1999 vintage, the consistent hallmarks of Melbury have been plush red fruits (currants, bing cherries), redolent with spice and the scent of violets. Elegance and a supple texture define the structure of this wine. The particular exposition of this rocky 7-acre hillside vineyard is southerly overlooking Lake Hennessey, allowing the vines to capture the morning sun yet moderating afternoon temperatures.
SOIL: Ancient sedimentary soil with compressed clay. Eastern and Southeastern Exposure.
ELEVATION: 348-522 feet
2013 VINTAGE NOTES
Anticipating a warm growing season, we pruned the vines very late in order to delay budbreak. This allowed the vineyard to ripen later in the season, in the cooler part of fall. Regardless, this wine is proudly a product of the vintage as the skins were extremely thick, resulting in more structure and power than usual.
This primal Melbury has aromas of fresh cassis coupled with baking spices. It is classically spherical on the palate, with minerality manifesting itself as a salty sweetness along the edges of the tongue. The tannins are dense, imposing more muscle than softness at this early date. The 2013 still possesses classic Melbury charm, with a velvet-textured finish that is fine and powder-like.
CRITICAL ACCLAIM
97 points James Suckling
So much subtle black currant character with hints of roses and lilacs. Full body, ultra-fine tannins and fabulous length. It goes on for minutes. (01/2016)
97 poins Wine Advocate
The brilliant 2013 Melbury ratchets up the level of extract, with an opaque purple color, dense blueberry liqueur-like notes along with white flowers, licorice, and camphor followed by a full-bodied, incredibly seamless, concentrated, multidimensional wine. With its amazing depth and richness, while accessible now, it probably won’t hit its stride for another 5-7 years and last 30-35. (RP, 10/2016)
97 points Vinous
The 2013 Melbury is classic Melbury, with an added kick of tannin that gives the wine shape and energy. Crushed rocks, rose petals, red/purplish fruit and cedar are beautifully delineated in a large scale, driving Melbury with so much to offer. This is another wine in the range that continues to age exquisitely. (AG, 05/2024)
95 points Wine Spectator
Dark and brawny, but with nicely coiled energy to the mix of dark plum, fig and black currant preserves, thanks to a warm cast iron note that drives underneath from start to finish. Reveals tobacco and espresso crema on the finish, while the fruit and minerality drive on. Rock-solid. (JM, 09/2023)
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