With 14.2% alcohol, the 2001 Melka Wines Cabernet Sauvignon, at 14 years old, scored an excellent 17 on the 20-point Dionysian scale.
Melka is famous for making the wines at a number of Napa wineries who sell their wines for one to two hundred dollars a bottle. This Cab was $30 back in 2004.
It was nearly ready. The aroma had black cherry, spice, vanilla with hints of black raspberry, and licorice. Melka gets great concentration from his grapes without going over 14 and a half percent alcohol. It could sleep for another five years easily.
A basic hamburger with broccoli and fries make of polenta married nicely with the Cabernet flavors.
The label is different every year. This is one California red wine that does hold up to aging and gains complexity. In vino veritas.
His children have designed many of his labels. Melka’s name is only on the back.
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