Aged 22 months in French barrels (56% new barrels). The fields on the west slope of the mountain in Paso are made of clay-limestone soil that extends from the surface soil deep into the ground. It has depth and refined sophistication, and is spicy and fragrant with nuances of black fruits, black pepper, herbs, and forests. In Paso, where the daytime temperatures are high, there are many typical dark Syrahs, but this wine has a balance of Northern Rhone like Hermitage in its richness.
Tasting Comments
The 2019 vintage marks the wine's ninth year, and with each passing year, this distinctive Syrah is becoming a staple among Merka fans.
The fragrance is rich with the spiciness of black fruits and black pepper, and also features complex nuances of autumn herbs (nutmeg and cardamom) and forest notes.
In Paso Robles, where daytime temperatures are high, many producers make typical, dark Syrah, but this wine is made in the style of Northern Rhone Syrah, such as Hermitage in France.
Production: Only about 150 cases.
Field Information
Paderewski Vineyards
After a lengthy worldwide search, Melka found the best vineyards for Syrah, not in the Rhone or Australia, but in Paso Robles on California's Central Coast.
The vineyard is located on a vast 800-hectare estate purchased in Paso Robles in 1913 by Jan Paderewski, a famous pianist of the 1900s, and is named after him.
The fields are a patchwork of different soil types, with the scilla plants planted on clay-limestone that extends from the surface soil deep into the ground on the steep hillsides.
Such a thick layer of limestone so close to the surface is extremely rare in California.
Also, they are not found everywhere in Paso Robles, but are found in limited areas, mostly concentrated west of the city.
In order to make the most of this soil in the grapes, careful care is required in terms of planting rate and training, and there are only a limited number of growers who can do this.
Paderewski Vineyards is one of them.
Vintage: 2019
Capacity: 750ml
Type: Red wine
Taste: Full-bodied
Main variety: 100% Syrah
Country of Origin: America
Region Name: California
AVA: Paso Robles
Vineyard: Paderewski Vineyard
Winemaker: Philippe Melka
Aging: 22 months in French barrels (55% new barrels)
Cap: Cork
Alcohol content: 15.5%