Hey there wine enthusiast!
In the realm of wine, there are names that shine like stars, just like Tom Brady in football or the Williams sisters in tennis. Today, we’re thrilled to introduce you to one such titan of terroir: Philippe Melka.
‘Melka-like’ has become shorthand for bold, rich, and powerful reds. His style leans toward intense flavors and velvety tannins. Any sommelier worth their salt can pick you a wine you will love if you can tell them what you like- and if you like Melka wines- you can simply tell them that.
Try this trio of wines by Melka, spanning from California to Washington.
1)Melka ‘CJ,’ Napa Valley:
Named after Philippe Melka’s two children, Chloe and Jeremy, CJ is a wine crafted with love for his family. With under 1,500 cases produced annually, this blend consists of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc, 10% Merlot, and 5% Petit Verdot sourced from hillside vineyards in Southern Napa Valley.
2) AdamVS ‘Terres,’ Howell Mountain:
As a consulting client, AdamVS is an exquisite jewel of a vineyard nestled on Howell Mountain. If you appreciate wines from Dunn and La Jota, this one’s for you. True to Melka’s signature style, the tannins are velvety, while the intense flavors of blackberries sourced from the mountain make their presence known.
3)Long Shadows Vintners, Pirouette, Columbia Valley:
Long Shadows takes a unique approach to winemaking by collaborating with experts in particular styles. In the case of Pirouette, Melka makes his contribution to this Washington winery. A beautiful blend akin to CJ, but sourced from fruit in the Columbia Valley, it offers an earthier profile with a lighter touch on the palate compared to AdamVS or CJ.
Melka’s Story
Hailing from Bordeaux, France, Philippe’s journey into winemaking started with a degree in geology. His passion for wine led him to pursue a master’s degree in winemaking, and destiny brought him to the prestigious Château Haut Brion for an internship during his university days. The prestige in this internship would be like a finance internship at Goldman Sachs or an aspiring fashion writer getting a job at Vogue.
In 1991, Philippe joined the iconic Dominus Estate in California, where he showcased his winemaking prowess. Later, he took on the role of winemaker at Ridge in the early 1990s, perfecting his craft and honing his skills. During this time, he also embarked on a beautiful journey of love, learning English with the help of a talented lab technician named Cherie, who would later become his wife.
The dynamic duo established their own venture, Atelier Melka, allowing them to work together and combine their expertise. Cherie’s specialization in microbiology and Philippe’s winemaking create the perfect team. In 1996, Lail Vineyards and Seavey Vineyard became their first clients. Twenty-seven years later, they remain clients. Robert Parker named him in the top ten winemakers in the world in 2015 and this holds true today.
The Melkas are truly a power couple in the wine world, leaving a trail of excellence wherever they go. Philippe’s incredible talent has earned him numerous 100-point scores, beginning with Dana Estates in 2007 and continuing to this day.
Cheers to the legends of the wine world, and here’s to raising a glass filled with Philippe Melka’s extraordinary creations!
Your wine-loving friend,
