2018 Melka Metisse Jumping Goat Vineyard

A mix of 97% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Petit Verdot, the 2018 Metisse Jumping Goat Vineyard comes all from St. Helena and was aged in 65% new oak. Wonderful crème de cassis, white flowers, unsmoked tobacco, spice, and hints of lead pencil all emerge from the glass. Full-bodied, with a layered, elegant texture and polished tannins, this is just a gorgeous 2018 that will evolve for 20 years or more.

The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Jumping Goat Vineyard Métisse captures all the natural radiance and voluptuousness that is so typical of wines from this central sector of St. Helena. Powerful, bold and luscious, the 2018 is a headspinning beauty. Dark red/purplish berry fruit, licorice, mint and cedar open first. A firm backbone of tannin and acid lurks beneath all of that fruit richness. The 2018 is a wonderfully complete wine to treasure and savor over the next 15-20 years, maybe more. It is one of the very finest wines I have tasted from Philippe and Cherie Melka.

This is a barrel sample of 100% Cabernet Sauvignon but the blend is nearly finalized. Very deep purple-black in color, the 2018 Metisse Montbleua comes rolling out of the glass with ripe black cherries, blueberry compote and warm cassis scents plus hints of baking spices, tapenade and fragrant earth with a touch of chocolate box. Medium to full-bodied, firm and grainy, the palate has great intensity and tension, finishing long with a lovely perfumed lift. 135 cases are to be made.