2008 & 2009 Melka "Métisse - Jumping Goat Vineyard" Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon & Melka Cellars "CJ" Napa Cabernet Sauvignon Tasting Lot

“An engaging style, complex and well-proportioned, with ripe currant, blackberry, cedar, sandalwood and black licorice flavors. Supple in texture and expansive on the finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot. (JL)” (08/2011)

“The 2008 Metisse Cabernet Sauvignon Jumping Goat Vineyard is a blend of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Petit Verdot and 7% Merlot aged in French oak, of which 85% was new. The wine, which is made at the Vineyard 29 high-tech facility north of St. Helena, possesses a dense saturated ruby/purple color as well as a sweet kiss of black currants, cedar, toast, gravel and flowers. Ripe and medium to full-bodied with velvety tannins (a Melka trademark), this multidimensional, layered, rich, supple wine can be drunk now and over the next 15+ years. (RP)” (12/2010)

“(85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Petit Verdot and 7% Merlot): Bright, saturated ruby-red. Black fruits, licorice and mocha on the very ripe nose. Soft, plush and seamless, with considerable early appeal to the fruit-driven flavors of raspberry, plum and mocha. Just enough energy to maintain its shape. This liquid confection reminded me a bit of a Pomerol. A big boy, finishing with sweet but serious tannins that reverberate in the mouth and saturate the palate on the very long aftertaste. (ST)” (05/2011)

“The 2009 CJ is a big, rich wine bursting with dark fruit, smoke, tobacco and licorice. It flows across the palate in a rich, generous style that is immensely appealing. This is huge and delicious. In other words, a quintessential Philippe Melka wine at an approachable price. The 2009 is 94% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6% Petit Verdot from vineyards in Soda Canyon, Pritchard Hill and Yountville. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2017. I was very impressed with these wines from Philippe and Cherie Melka. The Melkas source fruit from a variety of vineyards in Napa Valley and Knights Valley. (91+)” (12/2011)