2016 Melka Mekerra ‘La Mekerra Vineyard’ Proprietary Red Knights Valley

Winemaker Notes:  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

CRITICAL ACCLAIM

Vinous - "Melka's 2016 Proprietary Red Mekerra, the estate's Merlot/Cabernet Franc blend, is terrific. Aromatic, deep and sumptuous, the 2016 is absolutely gorgeous today. Wild flowers, tobacco, cedar, menthol, cured meat and dark red cherry fruit are all pushed forward. The Franc is quite expressive today, but what impresses me most about the 2016 is how much it has softened with time in barrel."


Robert Parker's Wine Advocate - "The 2016 Mekerra Proprietary Red is a blend of 58% Cabernet Franc and 42% Merlot aged for 20 months in 70% new 225-liter French oak barrels. Deep garnet-purple colored, it opens with a textbook plum-laced nose plus notes of warm redcurrants, Black Forest cake and black pepper with touches of garrigue, cedar chest, pencil lead and lavender. Big, wonderfully concentrated and sporting loads of dried herbs and red fruit accents, it has a solid backbone of grainy tannins and great freshness defining the long finish. 425 cases produced. 95+"