2009 Samsara, Pinot Noir “Rancho la Vina” Sta. Rita Hills.
Chad Melville’s Samsara wines are really worth searching out, even though he only makes a small amount of each they still seem to be flying under the radar, which might make it a bit easier to locate them, especially exciting are his Pinot Noirs like this 2009 Rancho la Vina from his home turf in the Sta. Rita Hills. With whole cluster fermentation and mostly neutral French oak these wines showcase their individual vineyards and clonal selections and make for energy filled and unique expressions. The 2009 Samsara Pinot Noir Rancho la Vina bursts from the glass with vibrant flavors and pretty floral bouquet with roses, pomegranate and spicy notes before a juicy core of raspberry, black cherry and strawberry come forward on the medium bodied rich palate. There are sweet herbs, anise and very subtle wood notes as well in this fruit driven wine plus a nice savory, mineral and earthy essence adds to the complexity giving a bit of mouth-watering luster. There is some tannin and nicely fresh acidity lifting the layers in this well focused Pinot and the finish is clear, lengthy and pure. Samsara’s 2010 wines are a must have, but these 2009 vintage wines should not be overlooked, and have another good five to ten years of great drinking ahead of them.
($48 Est.) 93 Points, grapelive
