Melka Estates - Merlot Mekerra 2018 (750ml)
Price: $112.99
| Producer | Melka Estates |
| Country | United States |
| Region | California |
| Varietal | Merlot |
| Vintage | 2018 |
| Sku | 203348 |
| 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.
Having fallen in love with the Merlot from this vineyard, we continue to dedicate ourselves to producing this single varietal bottling.
Tasting Note: Boasting a deep garnet purple color, the aromatics hit full on with black cherry, tobacco, chocolate and savory herbs. An extremely elegant Merlot that is medium to full bodied, lush with amazingly bright energy and superb balance. The palate is chock full of dark fruits, velvety tannins and a finish that has layers of spices and goes on forever.
Production: 150 cases
Vinous: 96 Points
A stunning wine, the 2018 Proprietary Red Mekerra, a blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc reminds of a hypothetical mix of Haut-Brion and Cheval Blanc, with a California expression of fruit. Philippe and Cherie Melka's Merlot/Cabernet Franc blend from Knights Valley is fabulous right out of the bottle. Inky red fruit, raspberry jam, blood orange, exotic spice and rose petal all race out of the glass. The 2018 possesses striking aromatic presence, tons of sensuality and impeccable balance. It is simply dazzling from the very first taste.
Wine Advocate: 93+ Points
A blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc coming from Knights Valley in Sonoma, the 2018 Mekerra has a deep garnet-purple color and needs a little swirling to reveal subtle notions of plum preserves, blueberry compote and black raspberries with hints of spice cake, star anise, garrigue and smoked meats. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has beautifully plush, velvety tannins and just enough freshness, finishing long and savory.
150 cases were made.
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