Palate
The Merlot brings beautiful floral notes to the nose along with spice and dark fruit while the Cab franc brings the acidity and the tannins to create this amazingly opulent wine with stunning purity. Decanting this wine is recommended to fully express the aromatics and strength of our vineyard.
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
Affectionately referred to as "The Beast" by Philippe, this powerhouse wine from our vineyard high in elevation in Knights Valley is definitely our best effort to date. With a blend this particular year favoring the strength of the Cabernet franc, its structure and aromatics provide an equal punch on all levels.
Aging
20 months 80% new French oak
