August 3, 2016 - I can't believe there hasn't been a review of this wine in four years! I think the market under appreciates how age worthy these wines are, even the CJ, which are the lower end cru of Melka. Having said that, this wine itself is still drinking really well but is likely at, if not slightly beyond, its peak. Features a nice medium purple color with no bricking at the rim and a full nose of lavender, blueberry jam and cedar. The tannins are present and sweet and finishes very nicely with an element of smokiness. However, I was surprised that this undecanted (and perfectly stored) bottle started fading after a couple of hours, taking on some slight acidity. This doesn't mean it's bad, but it doesn't have the fruit structure to carry it forward for too much longer. But definitely still at a point where all the elements are in balance and I continue to think Melka CJ rarely, if ever, disappoints.
August 31, 2012 - Drinking very nicely now. Nice notes of cedar on a very resolved palate. No detailed notes, but this got sucked down really quickly tonight, and appeared to be at its peak. My experience with the 2002 vintage has been fantastic, and this bottle was no exception.
November 1, 2009 - Opened an hour ago and poured a glass to let it open. This is really doing great right now. It is time to enjoy this one.
I bet it will be alot better in an hour at dinner. Brisket slow oven-cooked, collard greens, drunk (1/2 bottle) slow cooked mushrooms.Mumm.
February 9, 2009 - Wine was spoiled, not totally but definitely off. Right from opening, I could smell some wet cardboard, I hoped this would blow off with some decanting. Unfortunately even after a couple of hours this was not the case. The taste of wet paper was noticeable on the attack followed by black fruit in the background. The back end wasn't totally ruined, but it was enough to ruin what I hoped was a very good bottle. Deep dark color.
January 27, 2009 - Rich and concentrated, ran through vinturi. Initial notes of leather, cigar box and violets, when opened up over a couple of hours it became sweeter, with cherries, coffee, a hint of eucalyptus and even a touch of tar. Complex, intense, rich and round, evolving over time. Nice. I like this a lot.
March 16, 2008 - Drinking well now.
December 21, 2007 - Needs decanting, we weren't patient. Better after 48 hrs than 30 mins decanting (we didn't have any 24 hrs after). Has a little nice aussie medicine to go along with dark fruit. Tannins a bit too firm after 48 hrs tells me this could be aged still for quite a while.
November 15, 2007 - Had it again last night, consistent notes getting better to be sure.
July 27, 2007 - Extremely pleased with how this has developed. Two years ago this was a bit harsh and unforgiving. Tonight, after 2 hours of decanting, the wine was singing -- perhaps my expectations were low. The table sure enjoyed this and preferred it to the '02 Caymus Napa by a long shot.
April 26, 2007 - Color dark ruby red.
A nice subtle nose of black berries.
The wine coats your mouth with a mix of dark berries and reserved notes of oak.
This is a full bodied wine to be sure and it is a bit hot.
The finnish a bit tannic but it definitely has improved since last time I had it.
What I like about this wine it has just enough oak...what you would expect from a Cali Cab.
A good Melka wine for less than the average cost of one of his other products.
Not tremendous QPR but worth a try.