2017 Melka Metisse Jumping Goat Vineyard
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Tasting notes
A Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated blend that includes 8% Petit Verdot, the 2017 Metisse Jumping Goat sports a deep purple color as well as notes of cassis, graphite, white flowers, and ample minerality. Rich, medium to full-bodied, beautifully pure, and balance, it's a classy, elegant Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon to drink over the coming 15-20 years.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2017 Métisse Jumping Goat Vineyard is another absolutely stunning wine in this range from Philippe and Cherie Melka. Rich and vertical, with tons of explosive energy, the 2017 is infused with tremendous drive as well as nuance. Inky blue/purplish fruit, lavender, licorice, spice and espresso all build as this racy, voluptuous red show off its personality. This truly remarkable wine is one of the real highlights of the year. In a word: sensational.
The 2017 Metisse Jumping Goat Vineyard is made up of 92% Cabernet Sauvignon and 8% Petit Verdot—Merlot was declassified this vintage because of the heat. Grapes were picked in early September. Deep garnet-purple colored, it leaps from the glass with bold, expressive black cherries, black raspberries and cassis notes plus hints of pencil lead, bouquet garni and lavender. Medium-bodied, the palate is laden with fresh, crunchy black fruits and a firm, chewy frame, lifted by fantastic vivacity on the finish. 290 cases produced.
The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Jumping Goat Vineyard Métisse is a big, plush wine. Most of Melka's Cabernets off this site have been very much on the flamboyant side, but the 2017 has a surprising amount of tannin that gives the wine its shape and overall feel. The interplay of fruit and structure is compelling. This is one of the most forbidding young wines I have tasted from Philippe and Cherie Melka.