Aged 20 months in French barrels (65% new barrels). Purchased in 2001 from the company's own vineyard in Sonoma's Knights Valley, adjacent to the north of Calistoga in Napa Valley. Named after the river that flows next to his father's birthplace (Algeria). At an altitude of 760m, on a steep slope, Cabernet Franc and Chardonnay are planted on soil made from compressed volcanic ash, and Merlot and Sauvignon Blanc are planted on clay-rich plots. Parker commented that this is "Melka's Cheval Blanc." Surprisingly smooth on the tongue, full-bodied yet pure and fresh.
Tasting Comments
Reflecting the warm vintage of 2015, the wine is rich and highly concentrated. Even at an altitude of 760m, this is no exception. It is highly fragrant, with the typical dry herbal nuances of Cabernet Franc prominently present, and is underpinned by the ripe mellowness of Merlot. The seamless mouthfeel is supple, and the powerful yet firm quality means that you can enjoy the richness even now, but you can also expect it to age well for a long time. Aged 20 months in French barrels (approximately 50% new barrels)
Production volume: 440 cases
Production volume: 230 cases
Field Information
La Mekela Vineyards
Knights Valley is an AVA in Sonoma, but it is located on the western slope of Mount St. Helena, north of Calistoga in Napa Valley. After a long search for land in Napa Valley to become their own vineyard, they finally found this distinctive vineyard and purchased it in 2001. In honor of Philippe Merka's father, the vineyard was named "Mekela", after the river that flows next to his father's birthplace (Algeria). The image color blue comes from this river. It is located at an altitude of 760m, and it took a long time and effort to clear the steep slopes and uncultivated forest. It is a very attractive vineyard where sunlight comes in from various directions, and Cabernet Franc and Chardonnay are planted in the rich soil made of compressed volcanic ash, and Merlot and Sauvignon Blanc are planted in the clay-rich plots. The Cabernet Franc and Merlot blend was released for the first time in 2007.
Vintage: 2015
Capacity: 1500ml
Type: Red wine
Taste: Full-bodied
Main variety: Cabernet Franc 53%
Blend: Merlot 47%
Country of Origin: America
Region Name: California
AVA: Northern Sonoma
Nested AVAs: Knights Valley
Vineyard: La Mekerra Vineyard
Note: Limited stock of Parker Point 95 (Wine Advocate #234 Dec. 2017 by Lisa Perrotti-Brown)
Winemaker: Philippe Melka
Aging: 20 months in French barrels
Cap: Cork
Alcohol content: 14.8%