Meli Melo
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon



A pricey Cab. Deep ruby with aromas of blue and black fruits. Wine was open for over an hour but and had a harsh quality. On the palate blackberry and blueberry flavors, full body, tight firm harsh dusty tannins and about medium length finish ending with mineral tones. Ok, but lacks complexity, which was not evident. Many other gems at this price point. Pass on this one. Tasting Sample.
A pricey Cab. Deep ruby with aromas of blue and black fruits. Wine was open for over an hour but and had a harsh quality. On the palate blackberry and blueberry flavors, full body, tight firm harsh dusty tannins and about medium length finish ending with mineral tones. Ok, but lacks complexity, which was not evident. Many other gems at this price point. Pass on this one. Tasting Sample.
Mar 12th, 2018
Last of the blind wines.
Deep ruby red. Very tight on the attack of the nose even after two hours. Another hour or so later some dark black fruits and sweet spices came through. Heavy tannins (7.5/10) and medium plus to full bodied, more on the full side. Rich and dark attack on the palate that then plateaus. Black fruits, sweet spices and tobacco. Long finish. Drink till 2026.
Last of the blind wines.
Deep ruby red. Very tight on the attack of the nose even after two hours. Another hour or so later some dark black fruits and sweet spices came through. Heavy tannins (7.5/10) and medium plus to full bodied, more on the full side. Rich and dark attack on the palate that then plateaus. Black fruits, sweet spices and tobacco. Long finish. Drink till 2026.

Phillipe Melka the master...quintessential Cali while balanced on a pin...
Phillipe Melka the master...quintessential Cali while balanced on a pin...
2 people found it helpfulSep 4th, 2015This is a great wine but to be expected from the wine maker . Complex , lush fruit, extremly well balanced and great front to back
This is a great wine but to be expected from the wine maker . Complex , lush fruit, extremly well balanced and great front to back
1 person found it helpfulMar 10th, 2017
Tasted great with our creamy pasta dishes.
Tasted great with our creamy pasta dishes.
1 person found it helpfulFeb 26th, 2017Great recommendation from Total Wine.
Great recommendation from Total Wine.
1 person found it helpfulFeb 11th, 2017
Bordeaux for dinner, Napa for dessert! Notes in a moment..
Bordeaux for dinner, Napa for dessert! Notes in a moment..
Apr 28th, 2017
Absolutely delicious! Lush, dripping with bold black fruit-teeth staining good! Nose of blackberry, mesquite smoke and alcohol that blows off. Wonder of a mouthfeel-velvet, return of the full lush texture. Yet not heavy. Clove, plum, muddled black fruits and roses round out the taste. Finishes strong-figs, coco nibs and the scent of the inside of a cigar humidor. Slightly over manipulated from Philippe.
Absolutely delicious! Lush, dripping with bold black fruit-teeth staining good! Nose of blackberry, mesquite smoke and alcohol that blows off. Wonder of a mouthfeel-velvet, return of the full lush texture. Yet not heavy. Clove, plum, muddled black fruits and roses round out the taste. Finishes strong-figs, coco nibs and the scent of the inside of a cigar humidor. Slightly over manipulated from Philippe.
Sep 9th, 2016
Fantastique! I definitely love anything Philipe Melka, and this is another justification. Napa Cabernet in a left bank Bordeaux style, which is only natural for Melka. Rich, succulent, with cocoa powder and espresso on the nose, with creme-de-casis, dark cherry, candied fruit and allspice notes, smooth fine grain tannin and a full body, and a rich chocolatey finish.
Fantastique! I definitely love anything Philipe Melka, and this is another justification. Napa Cabernet in a left bank Bordeaux style, which is only natural for Melka. Rich, succulent, with cocoa powder and espresso on the nose, with creme-de-casis, dark cherry, candied fruit and allspice notes, smooth fine grain tannin and a full body, and a rich chocolatey finish.
Jan 8th, 2016
A new release Vinified by the acclaimed Phillipe Melka Winemaker and Vinter from Napa Valley. This shows its potential to age, since a 2022 feels aggressive on the mouthfeel (even after decanting for 120mins), definitely isn’t ready. Needs time. However; was able to appreciate the leather and minty notes, and the cedar accent, together with tobacco and a touch of velvet. Very powerful.
A new release Vinified by the acclaimed Phillipe Melka Winemaker and Vinter from Napa Valley. This shows its potential to age, since a 2022 feels aggressive on the mouthfeel (even after decanting for 120mins), definitely isn’t ready. Needs time. However; was able to appreciate the leather and minty notes, and the cedar accent, together with tobacco and a touch of velvet. Very powerful.
Mar 3rd, 2025