“This is our fourth bottling of this single varietal and we continue to love the richness and vibrancy that the soils bring to the personality of this wine.”

~ Philippe and Cherie Melka, proprietors

Tasting Notes

100% Merlot from a single vineyard La Mekerra. Deep garnet colour with violet highlights. Aromas of black cherries, tobacco, chocolate and dried herbs dominate the nose and palate. The structure of the wine is very elegant and sophisticated. The wine is energetic with supple tannins and juicy acidity. Very long spicy finish.

Vineyard

We purchased the land for this vineyard in 2001 after searching for a location that would allow us to produce profound terroir based wines.  Located in Knights Valley, ten acres are planted, two-thirds to red varietals and one third to white.  Planting was done in stages by varietal to create the three wines in succession.  The elevation of this vineyard is 2300-2500 feet and its steep slopes and bowl shape create intriguing microclimates with mostly southern and western exposures.  The soils are rich in volcanic ash – ideal for Cabernet franc and Chardonnay; clay for Merlot and Sauvignon blanc. La Mekerra displays a sense of wild animal, full of energy.  The wines have floral dark fruit mixed with minerals and big tannic structure for the red and great natural acidity for the whites.

• Production: 150 cases
• Bottling: June, 2019
• Aging: 19 months in French oak, 50% new
• Release: September 22, 2020

For more information about Melka Vineyards click here or visit their website here.