2016 Melka 'La Mekerra Vineyard' Proprietary Red Knights Valley
This proprietary red floats like a butterfly and stings like a bee, the upfront freshness belying the woodsy, rich backbone running through it. Distinctive aromatics of fig jam, dried violet, cedar and black pepper layer over the red currant fruit, a gift of the unique terroir in Knights Valley. Opulent without heaviness, the finish is long and fresh. Decant for an otherworldly experience.
Jeb Dunnuck
The only wine from Sonoma and the first year where the blend includes more Merlot than Cabernet Franc (and Merlot was incredibly successful in 2016), the 2016 Mekerra Proprietary Red is a rocking wine that offers tons of blackcurrants, chocolate, forest floor, and flowery camphor-like notes. Full-bodied, beautifully layered, with building tannins and a great elegance and seamlessness on the palate, it never puts a foot wrong and has a finish that goes on for nearly a minute. A blend of 59% Merlot and 41% Cabernet Franc brought up in 60% new French oak, the only downside is that there are only 425 cases made. If you’re lucky enough to snag some bottles, it should drink beautifully for 15-20 years.