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In Decanter’s July 2025 feature, “The Age of Cellar-Worthy California Sauvignon Blanc”, wine writer Jonathan Cristaldi highlights Melka Estates as a leader in crafting elegant, ageworthy whites.
The 2016 vintage of La Mekerra Vineyard Proprietary White earned an impressive 96 points, praised for its:
“Fresh grapefruit and white flowers lead, with a chamomile richness and creamy apple building the palate from medium- to full-bodied. There’s superb, focused tension—linear, with charming acidity that carries a delicate, lacy quality.”
The 2013 vintage also impressed with 95 points, noted as:
“Absolutely riveting… dried Mediterranean herbs, exotic fruits, chamomile, and layered spices. It delivers tremendous length, warmth, and intensity.”
Philippe Melka reflects on his vision:
“I love Haut-Brion Blanc and wanted to see if I could make it here in California.”
This recognition underscores Melka Estates’ commitment to pushing the boundaries of California white winemaking, crafting Sauvignon Blancs that are as structured and complex as the world’s greatest whites.
We’re honored to announce that our 2018 Métisse Montbleau Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon has been ranked 15th on Robb Report’s 50 Best Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignons of the 21st Century.
"Owners Philippe and Cherie Melka produce four lines of wine including Mêtisse and CJ from Napa Valley, Mekerra from Sonoma, and Majestique from vineyards around the world. Philippe learned winemaking by working at fine wine estates in Bordeaux, Italy, and Napa while Cherie, a self-taught winemaker, studied microbiology. Their 2018 Mêtisse hails from Montbleau Vineyard and has aromas of cherry pipe tobacco, mocha, and black plum with opulent tannins and flavors of red cherry, dark chocolate, cassis, and black raspberry. "
WINE & CULINARY
PHILIPPE MELKA
Named one of the world’s top nine winemakers by Robert Parker, Philippe Melka is widely acclaimed for his profound impact on the wine industry. He is one of Napa’s most highly respected winemakers and consultants, and he has also consulted for wineries in other regions, including Bordeaux, Tuscany, and Australia. Known for his ability to blend traditional French winemaking techniques with modern practices, Melka possesses an understanding of soil composition and structure that allows him to select vineyard sites with precision. He is an advocate for sustainable viticulture practices, and he encourages the use of organic and biodynamic farming methods among the wineries for which he consults. Born in Bordeaux, France, Melka’s early interest in the science of winemaking led him to earn a degree in Geology from the University of Bordeaux, followed by a master’s degree in Agronomy and Enology. His winemaking career began with formative internships at prestigious Bordeaux estates such as Château Haut- Brion and Domaine Jean-Pierre Moueix & Christian Moueix legendary Château Petrus, that led to Melka working for the Moueix-owned Dominus in California in 1991. In 1995, Melka established his own consulting firm, Atelier Melka, for which he has become a sought- after consultant, renowned for his ability to create exceptional wines that reflect both traditional techniques and innovative practices. His consulting portfolio includes a wide array of prestigious wineries such as Hundred Acre, Roy Estate, Moone Tsai Wines, ADAMVS, Lail Vineyards, and Tusk Estates, to name just a few. His work is particularly noted for enhancing the quality and reputation of these wineries, often leading their wines to receive high scores and accolades from critics and wine enthusiasts. In addition to his consulting work, Melka and his wife Cherie established their own wine label, Melka Estates in 1996. The brand features several distinct labels, including Métisse, Mekerra, Majestique, and CJ, each representing different vineyard sources and winemaking styles and each garnering critical acclaim. Melka is perhaps best known for his expertise with Bordeaux varietals, especially Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot & Sauvignon Blanc.