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 After two brief earlier
appearances, Philippe Melka returned to Napa Valley in 1994 to establish
himself as a winemaker of note. He swiftly rose to prominence and now is widely
applauded as one of the leading craftsmen of his trade. Melka’s talents are the
consequence of a happy juxtaposition – the geologist’s feel for terroir, the
travelers familiarity with far-flung wineries and estates, and a vintner’s
passion to be the very best.
Melka graduated from the University of Bordeaux, France, where he received a
degree in geology in 1989. In his final year, he took a course in Terroir and
Viticulture, and thereafter aspired to become a winemaker. After earning a
second degree in Agronomy and Enology, he began to apply what he learned during
stints at prestigious wineries in Australia, Italy, California and France
(Petrus, Haut Brion and Dominus, among others).
Since his return to Napa Valley, Melka’s technical savvy has resulted in very
impressive wines at several elite estates, including Marston, Seavey, Constant,
Lail, Caldwell, Quintessa, 100 Acre, and Vineyard 29.
One of the most exciting wines designed by Melka is his own label, Cabernet
Metisse. His Proprietary Reds from 1996 to 1999 have all scored in the 90s
(Robert Parker). These meritage blends pay homage to Melka’s French influence
(that is, new oak aging, unhurried skin contact and handling techniques) as
portraitures of classic structure, balance and elegance, and a plethora of
room-expanding aromas.
Melka’s blends are also influenced by the effects of terroir on each harvested
lot, although quietly nuanced to most, they are obvious to Melka, the
Geologist. But it is the creative touch of Melka, the Winemaker, by which his
wines evolve the complexities and full flavors that distinguishes genius from
the rest.
Phillipe Melka and his wife, Cherie, reside at Melka Cellars in Napa Valley.
Cherie is an accomplished wine professional and Laboratory Manager at Silver
Oak.
Melka Wines
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