2014 Melka Melka Majestique Paderewski Vineyard Syrah

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.”

Paso Robles AVA is midway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, and it is considered one of the West Coast’s most exciting winemaking regions. With its hot, sometimes searingly dry and sunny weather, it is especially good country for growing warm climate grapes such as Syrah, Grenache and Mourvedre. Because many Paso Robles wineries have been successful with blending these grapes into Rhone Valley-style wines, it is known as the Rhone zone of California. The AVA was created in 1983 and there are 32,000 vineyard acres. In late 2014 the AVA was divided into 11 smaller sub-appellations, so starting with 2015 vintages labeling will become more specific on Paso Robles wines, which will now also list sub-appellations. Located in San Luis Obispo County, Paso Robles, the town and its surrounding area, was traditionally a farming and ranching region. But from a few dozen wineries in the early 1990s to more than 200 today, the area is quickly becoming known for wine and risk-taking winemakers.

This grape is grown in milder climates and produces a medium-to full-bodied wine. It is also known as Shiraz, but should not be confused with Petit Sirah, which was developed by crossing Syrah with Peloursin.