Some
of the most elite and coveted wines from the Napa Valley come from a distinct
and exceptional area east of Oakville on Pritchard Hill. These treasured vineyards are said to have
the sophistication of Oakville but with the extra intensity of a hillside. Ranging between 800-2000 feet in elevation,
these vineyards shine well above the fog line that blankets over the Napa
Valley floor in the mornings, and are planted in volcanic red clay loam soil
providing mineral driven, intensely flavored grapes with thick skins. Only a
handful of wineries are perched up on this illustrious hill, like royalty.
You know the names: Chappellet, Ovid,
Continuum, Colgin, David Arthur, Bryant Family.
Those in the know however, know of a special vineyard located in the
very heart of Pritchard Hill, the Melanson Vineyard. Greg Melanson bought this exceptional
property in 1988 with 10.5 acres on it and sold his grapes to the most sought
after winemakers in the valley; Heidi Barrett, Celia Welch, Thomas Rivers Brown
to name a few. These winemakers took
whatever they could get from this vineyard.
From 2004-2008, he quietly made a small amount for his own production,
but in early 2010, after joining with winemaker Jeff Fontanella, he decided to
start sharing his wine under his own label.
While you will see a handful of vintners still sourcing from this
vineyard; Pulido-Walker, TOR, Celia Welch for Corra, Greg's own bottling under
the Melanson label you will hardly see outside of California. We are so excited to offer this hidden gem to
you!
Deep
purple in color, with lush aromas of ripe blueberries, blackberries, black
raspberries, anise, and crushed flowers.
The palate is rich and opulent with loads of juicy black fruit, dark
chocolate, coffee, and silky tannins while still maintaining a balanced
vibrancy. True to this vineyard, this is
fantastically rich, regal, and royal.
