Vineyard Details

Melka Mekerra Sonoma

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.

Soil composition:  Clay and volcanic ash
Year Planted:  2003
Size: 6 acres
Vine spacing:  5’ x 3’
Clones: Cab franc 327/332; Merlot 181
Elevation: 2500’
Appellation:  Knights Valley, Sonoma Valley
Varietals:  Cabernet franc; Merlot
First Vintage Produced:  2007