Freddy R. Troya

9.3

Melka Estates – Métisse – Red Blend - 2019
Martinez Vineyard – Napa Valley AVA – California, USA 🇺🇸

Overview
A site-driven Napa Valley Cabernet blend from Martinez Vineyard, crafted by Philippe & Cherie Melka. The 2019 Métisse is dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon (92%), supported by Cabernet Franc (7%) for aromatic lift and Petit Verdot (1%) for structure and depth. A classic Melka expression emphasizing balance, precision, and terroir transparency.

Aromas & Flavors
Deep aromas of blackcurrant, ripe blackberry, and dark cherry unfold alongside graphite, cedar, cocoa powder, and subtle violet. Secondary notes of crushed rock, espresso, and savory herbs add complexity as the wine opens.

Mouthfeel
Full-bodied yet poised, with finely polished tannins and a seamless mid-palate. Concentrated dark fruit is balanced by fresh acidity and mineral tension, leading to a long, structured, and elegant finish.

Food Pairings
Grilled ribeye, herb-crusted lamb, beef short ribs, venison, or aged hard cheeses such as Comté or aged Gouda.

Verdict
A refined and confident Napa Valley Cabernet blend that showcases Melka’s signature balance between power and elegance. Built for both near-term enjoyment and graceful aging.

Did You Know?
Philippe Melka trained in Bordeaux and has consulted for many of Napa’s most iconic estates, bringing Old World sensibility to New World precision through meticulous vineyard selection and restrained winemaking.

🍷 Personal Pick Highlight
This is the kind of Napa Cabernet blend I gravitate toward when I want power without excess, polished, cerebral, and terroir-driven. A benchmark Melka wine that reminds me why precision matters as much as intensity. — 5 days ago

Scott E. Becker

9.1

[Tasted on May 25, 2025 at The Optimist in Nashville with Jay]

73% Cabernet Sauvignon; 16% Malbec; and 11% Merlot. Red plum, black raspberry and cherry fruit, with mocha, chocolate and baking spices. Creamy and well balanced. Philippe Melka is the consulting winemaker — 7 months ago

Jake Hajer

9.0

Wonderful, well made wine of blackberries and currants, that’s starting to feel its age. — a month ago

Kevin Dale

9.4

51% Cab Franc, 49% Merlot
Referred to as “The Beast” since it still tastes so young and will drink well for another 15-20 years. Tasted with the 2018 and seemed “younger” than the 2018. — 5 months ago

Joe DAscoli

9.5

Wow. This wine delivered against wagyu strip steaks and then on its own

Great balance and deep fruit flavors. — 6 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.0

A new release Vinified by the acclaimed Phillipe Melka Winemaker and Vinter from Napa Valley. This shows its potential to age, since a 2022 feels aggressive on the mouthfeel (even after decanting for 120mins), definitely isn’t ready. Needs time. However; was able to appreciate the leather and minty notes, and the cedar accent, together with tobacco and a touch of velvet. Very powerful. — 10 months ago

Kevin Dale

9.2

Comparing the 2013 to 2018:
2013 97% Sauvignon Blanc 3% Muscadelle
2018 100% Sauvignon Blanc
2013 more stone fruit peach, apricot and nectarine
2018 peach, lemon, spice, flower
Preferred the purity of the 2018 — 5 months ago

Scott E. Becker

9.4

[Tasted at l’Ete du Vin on July 26, 2025]

Philippe Melka is the winemaker. Plum and black raspberry fruit, with mocha, cola and hazelnut notes. Beautiful, plush wine. — 5 months ago

David Walser

9.2

The CJ isn’t up to my Melka expectation, it is a lower cost product, but it is ok at 10 years old. It did take awhile to open up. — 6 months ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.0

2018 vintage. 6.10.23. — 3 years ago