An Interview with Chad Melville on his Magical 2016 Estate Pinot

The Melville Winery has set the benchmark for silky, aromatic Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir during its 20+ years in the region. Chad Melville is the man behind the magic—son to the founder and both lead winegrower and winemaker. He spoke with me about their 2016 Estate Pinot, a wine that is always special, but that shines particularly brightly in the 2016 vintage, which also happened to be his first as lead winemaker.

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A Visit From Françoise Antech

If you’ve been following our social media, you might have noticed that one of our favorite women winemakers from France was out last week visiting California. Françoise Antech, the sixth-generation winemaker from her eponymous estate, was on a quick tour of California and managed to stop in all of our stores, holding three staff tastings and two public tastings. Her incredible energy and enthusiasm was absolutely infectious, and her knowledge and stories were a highlight of the week. 

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The Quintessence of 2008

Every year, my father and I celebrate our birthday together by having a wine dinner. This year, we started with the 2008 Pierre Paillard Grand Cru "La Grand Récolte" Extra Brut Champagne, paired with my mother-in-law’s excellent salmon pate starter. Everyone was taken aback by the incredible youth of this 11-year-old bottle, and by the stupendous breed and length. It was a fantastic way to start the party.

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Champagne, FranceGary Westby
Fleury: Thirty Years of Biodynamic Excellence

It is hard to believe that it has already been thirty years for Fleury making biodynamic Champagne. These wines were our first organic Champagnes at K&L, and we have been importing them directly for almost as long as I have been working for the company. As I always say to customers considering their Champagne, we don’t work with them just because they are organic; we work with them because they make great wine. To celebrate thirty years of biodynamie, they have released a special wine, the Fleury Cuvee 30 Ans, and it is one of the most profound and complex Champagnes they have ever released.

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