2021 Technical Specifications
Grape Varieties 100% Merlot
Region Knights Valley
Oak Details 50% First Fill New Oak
First Fill New Oak50%
Oak Types French oak
Bottling Date May 2023
Production Details Fruit source was stated as 100% Knights Valley. Production was 100 cases; the wine aged for 19 months and was released September 24, 2024.
Tasting Notes Dark bluish-purple color; dark chocolate, tobacco and savory-herb aromas; dark fruit, smooth tannins, layered spices, bright energy and a long finish; medium- to full-bodied.
Sources: www.melkaestates.com ↗ · Compare this vintage
2019 Technical Specifications
Grape Varieties 100% Merlot
Region Knights Valley
Oak Details 50% First Fill New Oak
First Fill New Oak50%
Oak Types French oak
Bottling Date May 2021
Production Details Fruit source was stated as 100% Knights Valley. Production was 190 cases; the wine aged for 19 months and was released September 27, 2022.
Tasting Notes Dark bluish-purple color; dark chocolate, tobacco and savory-herb aromas; dark fruit, smooth tannins, layered spices, bright energy and a very long finish; medium- to full-bodied.
2018 Technical Specifications
Grape Varieties 100% Merlot
Region Knights Valley
Oak Details 50% First Fill New Oak
First Fill New Oak50%
Oak Types French oak
Bottling Date June 2020
Production Details Fruit source was stated as 100% Knights Valley. Production was 150 cases; the wine aged for 19 months and was released September 21, 2021.
Tasting Notes Deep garnet-purple color; black cherry, tobacco, chocolate and savory herbs; dark fruit, velvety tannins, layered spices, bright energy and a very long finish; medium- to full-bodied.
2017 Technical Specifications
Grape Varieties 100% Merlot
Region Knights Valley
Oak Details 50% First Fill New Oak
First Fill New Oak50%
Oak Types French oak
Bottling Date June 2019
Production Details Fruit source was stated as 100% Knights Valley. Production was 150 cases; the wine aged for 19 months and was released September 22, 2020.
Tasting Notes Deep garnet-purple color; black cherry, tobacco, chocolate and savory herbs; dark fruit, velvety tannins, layered spices, bright energy and a very long finish; medium- to full-bodied.
2016 Technical Specifications
Grape Varieties 100% Merlot
Region Knights Valley
Oak Details 60% First Fill New Oak
First Fill New Oak60%
Oak Types French oak
Bottling Date June 2018
Production Details Fruit source was stated as 100% Knights Valley. Production was 150 cases; the wine aged for 19 months and was released September 17, 2019.
Tasting Notes Rich dark fruit and blackcurrant with leather and tobacco undertones; creamy, lush and layered mid-palate; ripe yet elegant.
Critics Ratings Wine Advocate: 93 points; Vinous: 93 points
2015 Technical Specifications
Grape Varieties 100% Merlot
Region Knights Valley
Oak Details 60% First Fill New Oak
First Fill New Oak60%
Oak Types French oak
Bottling Date August 2017
Production Details Fruit source was stated as 100% Knights Valley. Production was 175 cases; the wine aged for 22 months and was released September 18, 2018.
Tasting Notes Concentrated youthful aromas of dark fruit and rich compote; generous, balanced and multidimensional, with finesse through the finish.
2014 Technical Specifications
Grape Varieties 100% Merlot
Region Knights Valley
Oak Details 50% First Fill New Oak
First Fill New Oak50%
Oak Types French oak
Bottling Date June 2016
Production Details This first single-varietal Merlot bottling came from the producer’s Knights Valley vineyard at a stated elevation of 2,300 feet. Production was 50 cases; the wine aged for 21 months and was released May 23, 2017. The release was described as exclusive to VIP/Elite members.
Tasting Notes Chocolate, cherry and ripe-sweet aromas; silky, sensuous palate without over-extraction.