Aged 19 months in French barrels (85% 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
2019 was a year of calm throughout the growing season, giving winemakers peace of mind for the first time in a long time. Cabernet Franc's power and typical dry herbal nuances are prominent, while Merlot's aromatic, ripe mellowness underpins the wine.
The color is deep garnet and the aroma is of dark fruits, plum, mocha and pepper.
Velvety in the mouth, juicy, rich and dense with excellent acidity supporting the structure.
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: 2019
Capacity: 750ml
Type: Red wine
Taste: Full-bodied
Main variety: Merlot 53%
Blend Variety: Cabernet Franc 47%
Country of Origin: America
Region Name: California
AVA: Northern Sonoma
Nested AVAs: Knights Valley
Vineyard: La Mekerra Vineyard
Notes: 97P JEBDUNNUCK.com December,2021 by Jeb Dunnuck
Winemaker: Philippe Melka
Aging: 19 months in French barrels (85% new barrels)
Rating: 90P or above
Cap: Cork
Alcohol content: 14.8%