2008 Melka Ma?eutique Saint Emillion Cabernet Sauvignon

The 2008 CJ is a soft, round, upfront red exhibiting lush black cherry and mocha-infused black currant fruit, silky tannins, hints of loamy soil and tobacco leaf notes and a generous, opulent mid-palate and finish. Drink this delicious, heady 2008 over the next decade. This is the personal project of the increasingly respected and well-known French winemaking consultant, Philippe Melka, and his wife, Cherie. Their negociant blend called CJ comes from three Napa Valley sources, two in the southern region (Soda Canyon and Coombsville) and one from the northern sector of Calistoga. The La Mekerra Vineyard produces Melka's Pomerol/St.-Emilion-styled wine. It is normally a blend of two-thirds Merlot and one-third Cabernet Franc from Knight's Valley. Tel. (707) 963-6008; Fax (707) 963-4546