Melanson Vineyard is one of a handful of exceptional vineyards that share an enchanted slope of land nestled among the rugged eastern ridges of the Napa Valley. It’s called Pritchard Hill. Most vineyards in the Napa Valley are based in one of the 16 American Viticultural Areas, or Sub-AVAs of the Napa Valley. Melanson Vineyard and Pritchard Hill are not in a Sub-AVA but the Pritchard Hill growing region is arguably one of the top growing regions in all of Napa Valley. Sitting in peaceful isolation on a very steep, west-facing, boulder-strewn hillside, this 1,300 ft, 10.5-acre vineyard site enjoys late afternoon sun and remarkable views of Lake Hennessey below. Vineyard owner and wine grape grower Greg Melanson is serious about growing world-class Cabernet Sauvignon.
“As a master winemaker, Castello’s Brooks Painter understands you need great grapes to make a truly great wine,” said Greg Melanson. “The Cabernet Sauvignon flavors that are truly unique to Pritchard Hill are in every glass of Castello di Amorosa’s Melanson Vineyard Cabernet.”
Several years ago, Castello di Amorosa began partnering with Greg Melanson and his meticulous vineyard manager, who carefully tends to the vineyard. The vineyard is planted in Sobrante loam soils, a clay loam mix, fractured volcanic material, and large volcanic rocks. Loam soils in general, and specifically Sobrante loam which allows the water to drain creating vine stress and mature flavor development in the grapes. The vineyard is known for its very small, intensely flavored grapes with thick skins. Melanson says the yields vary depending on what Mother Nature provides. Each vintage is different, and the yield is highly dependent on the weather.
“I have a penchant for high-elevation vineyards,” said Brooks Painter, Director of Winemaking for Castello di Amorosa and V. Sattui Winery in St. Helena. “And upon first glance at this vineyard, I was immediately impressed with the intensity of the sunshine and the limiting growth potential of the vineyard soil.”
The Melanson Vineyard on Pritchard Hill sits well above the fog line which translates to plenty of sunshine to ripen the grapes. When tasting this Cabernet Sauvignon from this mountain terroir, you’ll immediately be struck by the soft, round mellowness of the wine. Its warm velvety nature with refined tannins on the palate continues to a long, complex finish that is full of fresh, dark fruit.
