Melka Estates - Cabernet Sauvignon 'CJ' 2021 (750ml)
Price: $127.99
| Producer | Melka Estates |
| Country | United States |
| Region | California |
| Varietal | Cabernet Sauvignon |
| Vintage | 2021 |
| Sku | 204708 |
| Size | 750ml |
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Melka Estates Description
Philippe & Cherie Melka~ Owners
As co-proprietors and winemakers for Melka Estates, Philippe and Cherie produce four distinct brands that reflect their philosophy of soil driven wines: Métisse from Napa Valley, Mekerra from Sonoma Valley, Majestique from sites around the world and CJ, also from Napa Valley.
The pedigree for both Philippe and Cherie is indeed impressivle. Philippe having degrees in Geology, Agronomy and Enology; and Cherie in Microbiology from the US and a diploma in French Studies from the University of Bordeaux III.
Philippe learned winemaking and vineyard techniques from prestigious estates such as Haut Brion, Chittering Estate, Badio O Coltibuono, the Moueix domains and Dominus. Cherie being a self-taught enologist gaining her wine knowledge from equally impressive estates such as Ridge Vineyards, Beaulieu and Silver Oak Cellars. Their combined science backgrounds and extensive experience in the industry make them a perfect team in their winemaking endeavors.
The beginnings of the brand started in 1996, after Philippe and Cherie had just moved back to Napa Valley from France. They decided that they too would love to be producing their own label, despite each working for different wineries. They started modestly with only two wines in 1996, Métisse and CJ for a total case production of 500.
Tasting Note: The nose is intense and powerful with black currant, raspberry and fresh strawberries along with hints of crushed rocks. The entry is juicy and layered complemented by cassis, red plum, with a leathery yet vibrant structure. This wine has lots of fruit with plush, integrated tannins that make this easy and approachable even at a young stage in its life.
Recommended to decant to show off even more of its expressivity.
