2008 Melka Mekerra Metisse La Mekerra Vineyard
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(a 55/45 blend of cabernet franc and merlot): Bright medium ruby-red. Wild, ripe, slightly liqueur-like aromas of currant, mocha, minerals, tobacco and exotic spices. Lush but serious, with powerful tannins accentuating the wine's structure. Much drier in style and more muscular than the Metisse blend from Jumping Goat Vineyard. Finishes with a hint of nutty oak. This new wine will be interesting to follow. Philippe Melka bought this cool, rocky vineyard above Peter Michael at an altitude of 2,300 feet in 2001. He recently planted two acres of sauvignon blanc and a bit of muscadelle and will plant some chardonnay later this year.
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The 2008 Metisse La Mekerra Vineyard (55% Cabernet Franc and 45% Merlot) reveals similar notes of chocolate, espresso, plum, anise, black currant and kirsch. Slightly denser and plumper than the 2007, this beautiful wine should drink nicely for 10-15 years. This is the personal project of the increasingly respected and well-known French winemaking consultant, Philippe Melka, and his wife, Cherie. Their negociant blend called CJ comes from three Napa Valley sources, two in the southern region (Soda Canyon and Coombsville) and one from the northern sector of Calistoga. The La Mekerra Vineyard produces Melka's Pomerol/St.-Emilion-styled wine. It is normally a blend of two-thirds Merlot and one-third Cabernet Franc from Knight's Valley. Tel. (707) 963-6008; Fax (707) 963-4546
The 2008 Metisse La Mekerra Vineyard may actually eclipse the 2007. Composed of 55% Cabernet Franc and 45% Merlot, the wine reveals copious blue fruit characteristics intermixed with floral, crushed rock, chocolate, and bay leaf notes. Dense, rich, full-bodied, and opulent, this strong 2008 should drink well for 10-15 years. (Not yet released) Tel. (707) 963-6008; Fax (707) 963-4546