Melville Melville Estate Syrah - Donna's Block 2019 750ml

Deeper purple-hued, the 2019 Syrah Donna’s offers a more exotic, feral, wild side to Syrah and reminds me of an old school Cornas, yet with ripe California fruit. Ground pepper, black olives, tapenade, and bloody red and blue fruits all define the bouquet, and it’s full-bodied, with moderate acidity, ripe polished tannins, and a monster of a finish. This cuvée is made in a more finesse-driven, elegant style today, and it shines for its balance, purity, and complexity. It’s a singular, gorgeous Syrah that could come from nowhere else. (Jeb Dunnuck)

The 2019 Syrah Donna’s Block comes from Estrella clone vines planted in pure sandy soils and was made entirely with whole clusters. Medium ruby-purple, it has a detailed perfume of blue and black berries, licorice, cast iron and wafts of mint chocolate and tapenade. Fresh, medium-bodied and lacy, the elegant palate offers savory fruits and a long, uplifted finish.

The 2019 Syrah Donna’s is fabulous. Silky and aromatic, with stunning textural finesse, the Donna’s is a rock star right out of the gate. All the elements meld together effortlessly in the glass. Bright red-toned fruit, rose petal, cedar, tobacco and blood orange add lift throughout. Even in the early going, the 2019 is a total knock-out. The 100% whole clusters are beautifully integrated. (Antonio Galloni)

Melville farms Donna’s block on deep sand, fermenting the fruit as whole clusters with extended maceration. The result is a wine of brooding aromatics—pepper, plum and fig, and unsweetened chocolate. The flavors are smoky and dark, the tannins velvety. It’s still years from peak expression: If you open it now, decant and serve with lamb.