2009 Melka Metisse Jumping Goat Vineyard
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Tasting notes
Bright, saturated ruby. Aromas of crushed raspberry, blackberry and blueberry are complemented by an element of sexy oaky torrefaction from high-quality barrels and lifted by violet and mineral high notes. Densely packed, concentrated and still quite youthful, projecting noteworthy mid-palate verve to its flavors of dark berries, licorice and violet. This wine displays excellent inherent balance but its serious tannic spine still needs a few more years to soften. Very long and pure on the aftertaste.
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Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
(80% cabernet sauvignon, 13% merlot and 7% petit verdot; 15.2% alcohol): Good red-ruby. Mellow aromas of currant, black raspberry, mocha and chocolate. Lush, sweet, deep and rich, with enticing sweetness to its dark berry and chocolate flavors. Picks up a truffley element as it opens in the glass. As plush and ripe as this is, it's not at all heavyhanded. Finishes ripely tannic, sweet and long.
The 2009 Metisse Napa Valley is another huge, totally expressive wine. Here, too, the style is more polished and elegant than the 2008. Layers of effortless, racy fruit flow from this seamless, compelling wine. Hints of smoke, ash and tar wrap around the seriously intense finish. The 2009 is 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Petit Verdot and 7% Merlot from the Jumping Goat Vineyard in St. Helena. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2029. 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. The flagship Metisse series represents a blend of French and American cultures. Tel. (707) 963-6008