Melka Wines Melka Mekerra 2013 750ml

The 2013 Mekerra, a Cabernet Franc/Merlot blend, is powerful, dense and concentrated, with a real sense of power and overtness. Black cherry, plum, mocha and graphite are some of the notes that flesh out as the wine shows off its ample, plush personality. This inviting red should offer tremendous pleasure over the next decade or so. (Antonio Galloni)

The red wine from Knights Valley, the 2013 Proprietary Red Mekerra, is a blend of 53% Cabernet Franc and 47% Merlot, and is my top wine along with the CJ. This is an estate wine from the Melkas’ 10-acre vineyard planted in Knights Valley. Beautiful, chocolaty floral notes with blackcurrants, graphite and earth are all present in this medium to full-bodied, stunningly pure and multilayered wine—425 cases aged in 60% new French oak for 20 months and bottled unfiltered. This beauty should drink well for at least 20 years. (Robert M. Parker, Jr.)