I think the Melville Pinot Noir’s are some of the best values around. I’m not sure if you can find the 2008’s anymore but the 2009’s are still available. They seem to offer 3 lines of Pinot’s that you can buy at stores: Verna’s for $20, Estate for $25, and Carrie’s for $40(?). You can find the first 2 at the Wine Exchange (www.winex.com).
My favorite Pinot used to be the Lucia Gary’s Vineyard Pinot Noir. But that costs about $45 and I think Melville’s Pinot’s are just as good but at a lower price.
I tend to like my Pinot’s balanced with a little more fruit and subdued earthiness. That fits the profile of all of the recommendations above.
As for white wines, I’m not that into them but do drink them occasionally. With that in mind, I did like Melville’s 2008 Chardonnay’s (Verna’s for $17 and Estate for $23). I also liked Chateau St. Jean’s 2007 Belle Terre for $20. I don’t like “oaky” Chardonnay’s so none of these are “oaky”.
