2009 Melka Mekerra Vineyard Red Blend

Melka Wines was created in Napa Valley in 1996 by Philippe and Cherie Melka. The couple are both experienced wine professionals. Philippe, who is from Bordeaux, worked at Chateau Haut-Brion, Petrus, Dominus, and estates in Australia and Italy while earning degrees in winemaking. He became an internationally recognized winemaking consultant and continues to consult. Cheri, a microbiologist by education, ran the laboratory at Ridge Vineyards before meeting Philippe and attending the University of Bordeaux in winemaking. She worked at several Napa Valley producers before helping start Melka Wines. Melka makes Bordeaux-style red wines, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Syrah and Merlot-based blends. Robert M. Parker Jr. has noted that Melka makes “top notch Bordeaux-style wine... (That) is beautiful, high quality wine meant for aging.”