Proprietary Red

Melka Mekerra Sonoma
Select Vintage

Both the Cabernet franc and Merlot were the first to be planted on this parcel of land in 2004.  Possessing a deep garnet color, the aromatics boast dark fruit, plum, mocha and pepper.   This wine has a velvety texture, yet it is juicy, rich and dense along with amazing acidity which provides a great structural backbone.  The tannins are leathery, the finish is very powerful and the cabernet franc elements are simply delightful.  Another excellent vintage of proprietary red from Mekerra which is sure not to disappoint.

53% MERLOT,  47% CABERNET FRANC 
100% KNIGHTS VALLEY

Production: 230 cases 750ml, 10 cases l.5L
Bottling: June, 2021
Aging: 19 months in French oak, 85% new
Release: September 27, 2022

"Deep, rich and explosive, the 2019 possesses tremendous depth and tons of character . . ."
— Antonio Galloni
    Vinous: 97 pts   

Both the Cabernet franc and Merlot were the first to be planted on this parcel of land in 2004.  The aromatics boast ripe dark blackberry fruit with tobacco and leather components with hints of crushed rocks. The entry of the wine leads off with Merlot and then the depth and density of the Cabernet franc is apparent as the two harmoniously co-exist. The finish is sublime with nice chewy tannins with a long lingering savory note. This wine is a classic Mekerra with an abundance of minerality.  

55% MERLOT,  45% CABERNET FRANC    100% KNIGHTS VALLEY

Production: 250 cases 750ml, 15 cases l.5L
Bottling: June, 2019
Aging: 19 months in French oak, 65% new
Release: September 22, 2020

"Mekerra exudes energy and vibrancy from start to finish.  Strong Cabernet franc accents give the 2017 much of its considerable appeal."
— Antonio Galloni
    Vinous: 96 pts   Suckling: 95pts 

Both the Cabernet franc and Merlot were the first to be planted on this parcel of land in 2004.  The aromatics boast ripe dark blackberry fruit with tobacco and leather components with hints of crushed rocks. The entry of the wine leads off with Merlot and then the depth and density of the Cabernet franc is apparent as the two harmoniously co-exist. The finish is sublime with nice chewy tannins with a long lingering savory note. This wine is a classic Mekerra with an abundance of minerality.  

55% MERLOT,  45% CABERNET FRANC    100% KNIGHTS VALLEY

Production: 250 cases 750ml, 15 cases l.5L
Bottling: June, 2019
Aging: 19 months in French oak, 65% new
Release: September 22, 2020

"Mekerra exudes energy and vibrancy from start to finish.  Strong Cabernet franc accents give the 2017 much of its considerable appeal."
— Antonio Galloni
    Vinous: 96 pts   Suckling: 95pts 

Both the Cabernet franc and Merlot were planted first on this parcel of land in 2004.  Their age and our understanding of the vineyard have allowed us to craft an amazing blend from this Estate.  The aromatics are distinctive for the varietals - fig jam, dried violet, cedar, black pepper, lavender and red currant fruits.  Big, sumptuous and very concentrated, this wine is opulent without being heavy.  It finishes long with unexpected freshness.  Recommended to decant.

59% MERLOT,  41% CABERNET FRANC    100% KNIGHTS VALLEY

Production: 375 cases 750ml, 30 cases l.5L
Bottling: June, 2018
Aging: 20 months in French oak, 70% new
Release: September 17, 2019

"This woodsy, rich wine has real backbone while maintaining freshness - like a heavy weight boxer that is light on his feet."

— Philippe & Cherie Melka, Proprietors
WA: 95+pts     Vinous: 96 pts

2015 was a very warm year which resulted in wines rich in concentration and this wine from our high elevation vineyard is no exception. The aromatics are so expressive and enticing showing a typicity of Cabernet franc, dry herbs and undertones of ripe compote which give this nose a wow factor. There is a loamy, muscular tension to the wine that
segues into its energy in the mouthfeel resulting in a wine that exudes balance and
age-worthiness - a must add to the cellar.

53% CABERNET FRANC , 47% MERLOT, 100% KNIGHTS VAL LEY

Production: 360 cases 750ml, 40 cases l.5L
Bottling: August, 2017
Aging: 20 months in French oak
Release: September 18, 2018

"This is a great example of how a wine can go from great to outstanding by pushing the boundaries a bit. One of our personal favorites to date, even over the 2012."

— Philippe & Cherie Melka, Proprietors
~95ptsWA

This is a great example of how a wine can go from great to outstanding by pushing the boundaries a bit. One of our personal favorites to date, even over the 2012.

available October 17, 2017

The 2014 is a superb blend from our high elevation mountain vineyard and is a testament to the 7 years of wines being produced from it.  A perfumey nose full of smoke, tar, raspberries and herbs leads into a silky sweet entry that has a smooth creaminess with great energy and brightness.  An extremely inviting wine that leans more towards having a merlot-like influence despite the Cabernet franc in slightly higher proportion.  The finish boasts sublime tannins and pure finesse.

51% CABERNET FRANC AND 49% MERLOT
100% KNIGHTS VALLEY

Production: 350 cases
Bottling: June, 2016
Aging: 21 months 60% new French oak
Release: October 17, 2017

"A very approachable vintage overall showing how refined this vineyard can be - truly coming into its own since planting it in 2004."

— Philippe & Cherie Melka, proprietors

This superb Cabernet franc blend from our mountain vineyard is an explosive example of an amazing vintage. The aromas of wild raspberries and graphite fill the glass with an impact that begs you to taste. The resultant wine is lush, dense, creamy, layered, stunningly pure with acidity that is well integrated in this powerhouse wine. The Cabernet franc brings nerve and structure to this serious wine while the Merlot offers its friendliness and lushness. After seven years producing this wine, this Cabernet franc blend can rival any Napa Cabernet.

53% CABERNET FRANC AND 47% MERLOT
100% KNIGHTS VALLEY

Production: 400 cases
Bottling: August 24, 2015
Aging: 20 months 60% new French oak
Release: September 20, 2016
Suggested Retail: $165.00

"For 15 years we have been loving and nurturing this vineyard to produce wines that will make their mark on the most discerning palate. Each vintage we seem to dial it in better and better and there is nothing more gratifying."

— Cherie Melka, proprietor

Affectionately referred to as "The Beast" by Philippe, this powerhouse wine from our vineyard high in elevation in Knights Valley is definitely our best effort to date. With a blend this particular year favoring the strength of the Cabernet franc, its structure and aromatics provide an equal punch on all levels. The Merlot brings beautiful floral notes to the nose along with spice and dark fruit while the Cab franc brings the acidity and the tannins to create this amazingly opulent wine with stunning purity. Decanting this wine is recommended to fully express the aromatics and strength of our vineyard.

51% CABERNET FRANC AND 49% MERLOT

Production: 350 cases
Bottling: July, 2014
Aging: 20 months 80% new French oak
Release: September 22, 2015
Suggested Retail: $165.00

"This is Philippe Melka's Northern California version of Cheval Blanc and he has pulled it off brilliantly."

98 Points

— Rober Parker, Jr., Wine Advocate #215 Oct 2014

Above the fog at 2,500 feet during the 2011 growing season was one of the keys to the success of this wine, helping the grapes achieve full maturity with concentrated flavors. Aromatics of blackberry and tobacco mixed with floral notes and spice explode in this dense and lush wine. Beautifully balanced with a long and lingering finish, this wine will age 15-25 years easily. Decanting this wine is recommended to fully express the personality and the strength of our vineyard.

51% CABERNET FRANC AND 49% MERLOT
100% KNIGHTS VALLEY

Production: 340 cases
Bottling: December 2013
Aging: 26 months 80% new French oak
Release: September 23, 2014

"A strong wine for the year - dark, sumptuous and rich."

- Antonio Galloni, The Wine Advocate #206, April 2013

The 2010 Mekerra is a striking Cab franc/Merlot blend that entirely illustrates how wonderfully complex and impressive Cabernet franc can be. Mocha, blackberry, grilled herbs along with cedar and new leather leap from the glass in this rich and unctuous wine. A seamless structure and long finish will allow this wine to age easily 15-20 years. La Mekerra Vineyard soils are rich in both volcanic ash and clay - perfectly suited for Cabernet franc and Merlot.

53% MERLOT AND 47% CABERNET FRANC
100% KNIGHTS VALLEY

Production: 175 cases
Bottling: April 2013
Aging: 22 months 75% new French oak
Release: September 24, 2013

"Rich, sumptuous and beguiling, the 2010 impresses for its captivating bouquet and drop-dead gorgeous personality"

- Antonio Galloni, The Wine Advocate #206, April 2013

The 2009 exhibitis a pure expression of cabernet franc, one of our favorite varietals. We harvested the merlot and cabernet franc the last week of September under perfect conditions where warm nights provided full ripeness of the skin tannins.  The aromatics are reminiscent of cherry, blueberry, violet, graphite and clove spice with a velvety texture boasting lots of ripe fruit character.  This massive wine finishes with powerful integrated tannins and lasting berry flavors.  This wine captures the uniqueness of La Mekerra vineyard soils.

67% CABERNET FRANC and 33% MERLOT
100% KNIGHTS VALLEY

Production: 175 cases
Bottling: August 2011
Aging: 22 months 75% new French oak
Release: February 19, 2013

"The cabernet franc so suited to this soil has produced an expression of purity from this from this exceptional vineyard.  We are thrilled how the varietals coming form this site continue to mature and evolve."

- Cherie & Philippe Melka, proprietors

The 2008, which is nearly equal parts Cabernet franc and Merlot, exhibits a style that is slightly plumper and denser than the 2007.  The climatic conditions contributed to a vintage that resulted in very low yields but exquisitely balanced fruit.  This beautiful wine possesses a nose that reveals dried flowers, tea, chocolate, plum, anise and kirsch.  This wine was bottle aged over a year before its release and should drink nicely for 15-20 years.

55% MERLOT AND 45% CABERNET FRANC
100% KNIGHTS VALLEY

Production: 200 cases
Bottling: August 2010
Aging: 22 months 75% new French oak
Release: February 14, 2012

The 2008 marks the second vintage from this high elevation parcel in Knights Valley.  With a severe spring frost, there was a certainty that there would be no production for 2008.  Simply put, this is the miracle wine.

- Cherie & Philippe Melka, proprietors

This voluptuous wine exhibits aromas of chocolate, spice box and sweet black currants. It possesses amazing delineation for its intensity, and low acid with an expansive and velvety-texture. The full throttle of flavors integrate nicely with supple tannin and a long fleshy finish. This wine has a distinctive personality that will certainly be one to follow. It is a cabernet franc – merlot blend that can compete with the most structured Napa cabernets.

65% MERLOT AND 35% CABERNET FRANC
100% KNIGHTS VALLEY

Production: 155 cases
Bottling: August 2009
Aging: 22 months 80% new French oak
Release: Fall 2010

This is the inaugural vintage of our vineyard located at 2300 feet above Peter Michael in Knights Valley. The 8 acre site is truly unique not only for its diverse soil profiles that are perfect for cabernet franc and merlot, but also for the majestic views high above the valley floor.

- Cherie & Philippe Melka, proprietors