Melanson Vineyard Matthew‘s Block Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2015

Some of the most elite and coveted wines from the Napa Valley come from a distinct and exceptional area east of Oakville on Pritchard Hill. These treasured vineyards are said to have the sophistication of Oakville but with the extra intensity of a hillside vineyard. Ranging between 800-2000 feet in elevation, these vineyards shine well above the fog line that blankets over the Napa Valley floor in the mornings, and are planted in volcanic red clay, loam soil providing mineral driven, intensely flavored grapes with thick skins. Only a handful of wineries are perched up on this illustrious hill. Napa Valley's Royals... You know the names: Continuum, Colgin, Ovid, Chappellet, David Arthur, Bryant Family . In the heart of Pritchard Hill sits the Melanson Vineyard, surrounded by these stately names and cult wines. Greg Melanson bought this exceptional property in 1988 with 10.5 acres of vineyards on it and sold his grapes to the most sought after winemakers in the valley including Thomas Brown, Heidi Barret, and Celia Welch. From 2004-2008, he quietly made a small amount for his own production, but in early 2009, after joining with winemaker Jeff Fontanella, he decided to start sharing his wine under his own label. While you will see a handful of vintners still sourcing from this vineyard, Greg's own bottling under the Melanson label you will hardly see outside of California. We are so excited to offer this hidden gem to you! The 2015 follows two exceptional vintages of Cabernet from the Melanson Vineyard. While the 2013 is stately and sturdy with bright red fruit, structured tannins, and age-worthy acidity, the 2014 is rich and bold showing riper, dark fruit and sweet oak spice. In the 2015, I find it to encompass everything I loved about 2013 and 2014 combined. The wine itself is flat-out stunning, bursting with black cherries, dark currants, violets, graphite, mocha, and exotic spices. Full-bodied and voluptuous, with excellent depth and concentration, this is beautifully balanced Cabernet with a supple, yet fresh mouthfeel and finely integrated tannins. Simply delicious now, yet should also hold up nicely in the cellar for at least a decade.