Nose
The aromatics are reminiscent of cherry, blueberry, violet, graphite and clove spice with a velvety texture boasting lots of ripe fruit character.
Palate
This massive wine finishes with powerful integrated tannins and lasting berry flavors.
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
The 2009 exhibitis a pure expression of cabernet franc, one of our favorite varietals. This wine captures the uniqueness of La Mekerra vineyard soils.
Harvest
We harvested the merlot and cabernet franc the last week of September under perfect conditions where warm nights provided full ripeness of the skin tannins.
Aging
22 months 75% new French oak
