Nose
The aromas of wild raspberries and graphite fill the glass with an impact that begs you to taste.
Palate
The resultant wine is lush, dense, creamy, layered, stunningly pure with acidity that is well integrated in this powerhouse wine. The Cabernet franc brings nerve and structure to this serious wine while the Merlot offers its friendliness and lushness.
Growing Conditions
We purchased the land for this vineyard in 2001 after searching for a location that would allow us to produce profound terroir based wines. Located in Knights Valley, ten acres are planted, two-thirds to red varietals and one third to white. Planting was done in stages by varietal to create the three wines in succession. The elevation of this vineyard is 2300-2500 feet and its steep slopes and bowl shape create intriguing microclimates with mostly southern and western exposures. The soils are rich in volcanic ash – ideal for Cabernet franc and Chardonnay; clay for Merlot and Sauvignon blanc. La Mekerra displays a sense of wild animal, full of energy. The wines have floral dark fruit mixed with minerals and big tannic structure for the red and great natural acidity for the whites.
Soil composition: Clay and volcanic ash Year Planted: 2003 Size: 6 acres Vine spacing: 5’ x 3’ Clones: Cab franc 327/332; Merlot 181 Elevation: 2500’ Appellation: Knights Valley, Sonoma Valley Varietals: Cabernet franc; Merlot First Vintage Produced: 2007
This superb Cabernet franc blend from our mountain vineyard is an explosive example of an amazing vintage. After seven years producing this wine, this Cabernet franc blend can rival any Napa Cabernet.
Aging
20 months 60% new French oak
