2010 Melka Cabernet Sauvignon CJ

Community Tasting Notes (25) Avg Score: 91.7 points

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  12/31/2023 - hrazdiiv Likes this wine: 92 Points

  I’m a big fan of Melka’s and this is another solid cuvée. I rated this 92 back in 2015, and feel it’s held up very well though I do think it’s well within its peak drinking window right now. The color of the wine was a medium-dark purple but closer examination and swirling in the glass reveals quite a bit of crimson. The nose is giveaway California with loads of cassis, dark blue fruits, ripe plum and lavender all present. We drank the wine undecanted for about four hours so it had a chance to breathe and indeed, it held up nicely putting on some velvety weight with notes of dark chocolate and charcoal showing toward the end. I’m not sure why the consensus says to drink by 2019 (that’s clearly off) but I’d recommend within a few years at this point for certain.

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  2/3/2022 - PourSomeRed wrote: 93 Points

  The last one. It was great. It could easily go another 3+ years, but I think it's the best it's going to get.

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  6/23/2020 - Hi.its.Don.4.Wine Likes this wine: 94 Points

  Progeny Wine
  
  Thinking, or maybe more appropriately dreaming, about owning a winery all sorts of things start to play in my mind; region, grape varietals, style, but at this moment, names. The name of the winery and also of the wines; marketing plays a huge part in coming up with names. While some are named for areas or vineyards, some are family names; that’s a good place to start.
  
  The wines then present the second challenge; but along those same lines many have used names of family members; mothers, fathers, daughters, sons, maybe even an aunt or uncle; again I think I favor offspring, I think if I did own a winery my daughter would love to have a wine named after her!
  
  For this post, I’m focusing on a winery, and winemaker, that I have followed many years and who’s wines I love; Philippe Melka. While he’s a consultant over many wines, he also has his namesake label and set of wines; it happens to be the wine named after his children I’m talking about.
  
  Named in honor of Philippe and Cherie’s daughter and son, Chloe and Jeremy, the wine shows a slightly softer style compared to his Single Vineyard Cabs, the CJ is no less a stunner. Blended from 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot and 100% being from Napa Valley it is aged 20 months in 45% New French Oak, it is a great value for those seeking quality.
  
  Eight months ago I reviewed the 2009 CJ and just like its older cousin 2010 is smoooooth. The wine showing dark rich fruit and nice acidity, and like this author, maybe showing slight signs of aging, but far from old. The finish is soft and enjoyable and was a perfect complement to my second round of Chicken Thighs.
  
  The wine still has a few years given an initial drink window to 2022 or so, although I might be tempted to enjoy the wine sooner rather than later. For a real treat, especially as a big Napa Cab lover, try his Single Vineyards, I’m a big fan of the Jumping Goat wine.
  
  Cheers

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  3/2/2019 - Hi.its.Don.4.Wine Likes this wine: 94 Points

  This wine has progressed nicely. Still displays big bold and dark fruit notes with just enough grip from the tannins. Should continue to soften slightly. Nice spice note at the end that finishes long and strong.

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  9/22/2018 - Wine Warrior 1 Likes this wine: 93 Points

  Wow, surprise OTN. Very dark garnet in color, big nose and medium heavy weight. This cab is deep, layered eye-opening. Has many years in front of it. Really enjoyed this cab!!

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