Nose
The nose reveals that this is a wine full of power and minerality. It has the distinctive aromatics that distinguish it from any other Sauvignon blanc.
Palate
Ripe tropical and exotic fruits with notes of peaches, pineapple, pink grapefruit and anise. Superbly balanced with great acidity, this 2015 is a classic for the vintage showing focus and purity.
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
Our fifth vintage from this stunning high elevation vineyard and we are extremely proud of this effort. Reminiscent of the 2011, our first release of this wine from La Mekerra.
Aging
22 months in 80% in new French oak “cigare barrels"
