Melka Métisse Martinez Vineyard Red Blend Napa Valley 2018

Philippe Melka's fascination with wine began not with a drink but with dirt. A native of Bordeaux, Philippe grew up fascinated by the intricacies of the land around him. When it came time for college, he acted on his childhood interests and studied toward a degree in geology at the University of Bordeaux. A class in winemaking during his final year was a turning point, propelling him to further his studies and earn a Master’s degree in Agronomy and Enology. Philippe’s first job out of school was at Château Haut Brion (which is hardly an entry-level job). From there, he traveled to California in 1991 to accept a position at Dominus Estate in Yountville to study soils. Napa Valley soil proved to be a revelation for Melka. It was also during this time that he met his wife, Cherie, who at the time was running the enology laboratory at the iconic Ridge Cellars. The two were drawn to each other and quickly started a life together. In 1994, after a short stint back in France, deepening his expertise at Chateau Petrus, the couple moved back to Napa Valley with the intention of making it their home once and for all. In 1996, between bustling day jobs and a burgeoning consulting career, Philippe and Cheri founded Melka Estates. Within the brand, they make four distinct labels with the intention of creating wines that express the voice of the soil. Métisse (Napa), Mekkera (Sonoma), Majestique (around the world), and CJ (Napa and Sonoma) all highlight different single vineyards, and Philippe lets each vineyard speak for itself. While many winemakers today claim they do just that (the French word ‘terroir’ is quite the buzzword these days), few are able to back it up more brilliantly than Philippe. Métisse is a French word meaning a blend of cultures, and this name certainly embodies the spirit of the wine.

The Martinez Vineyard is a 41-acre property located high up on Pritchard Hill. This stunning 16-acre vineyard reaps the benefits of Pritchard Hill’s unique Northern exposure, and the nearby Lake Hennessey helps moderate both soaring and plummeting temperatures. A blend of 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Cabernet Franc, and 11% Petit Verdot. Aromas of crushed rock and minerality lead to a more fruitful strawberry and dark cherry core. The wine has incredible tension, yet it is seductive and has what Philippe calls “tight power.” The refined tannins give way to a drawn-out finish and suggest that this bottle will certainly go the distance.