MELI MELO CABERNET SAUVIGNON
NAPA VALLEY, CALIFORNIA 2022
Why Buy: Méli Mélo isn't just a vanity project; it's a love letter to Napa Valley. Philippe Melka, the winemaker Robert Parker dubbed one of the top 9 in the world — and whose client list is a who’s who of valley royalty — has sourced fruit from a tapestry of Napa's finest vineyard sites to create this personal statement of a wine: a powerful, luxuriant Cabernet that we are privileged to be able to bring you at a remarkable, Concierge Family-special 20% off.
The Story: If there were a Mount Rushmore of Napa Valley, you could make a pretty good case that Philippe Melka's face merits inclusion on the list of candidates under discussion for chiseling. For years, Melka has been the secret weapon behind some of Napa’s — and indeed the world's — most sought-after wines. You could argue that no single figure has left a more indelible mark on Napa's wines and wine culture than this French-born wizard-for-hire. Méli Mélo is Melka's solo spin-off project, where he has carte blanche to push boundaries and challenge conventions. He sources grapes from all over the valley, from gravely and volcanic soils to micro-climate vineyards that create an extremely diverse wine profile. In the cellar, his focus is on coaxing forward and amplifying what is already present, as he works toward the vision of creating a bold, finessed blend.
The Method: Méli Mélo is predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon, with supporting roles played by Merlot, Petit Verdot, and occasionally Cabernet Franc. After fermentation, the wine ages for 20 months in French oak barrels, 60% new, allowing for optimal integration and complexity.
Winemaker Tasting Notes: Dark fruit aromatics of blackberry and black cherry with hints of spice, dried herbs, and minerality. The wine is a perfect reflection of the vintage, which saw heat spikes that ripened fruit quickly and created depth of flavor. The wine is round with a great mid-palate, dense and vibrant with a long finish that begs you to open more than one bottle.
What to Pair It With: A perfectly seared, juicy ribeye; a board of ripe aged cheeses; dark chocolate truffles anointed with flakes of sea salt.
Fun Fact: "Méli Mélo" is French for "hodgepodge" or "mishmash” — a playful nod both to Melka's extraordinarily varied winemaking background and to his uncanny ability to create harmony from seemingly disparate elements.
Our Guarantee: As with all our offerings, these wines come directly from the estate. Your bottles will arrive in pristine condition, ready for your cellar—or your glass
*Offer NOT valid in-store. This offer is made pre-arrival, with wines estimated to be delivered to your preferred store in Fall 2024. With the supply chain issues that we are seeing globally, there may be some unforeseen delays which could affect the ETA. All sale prices are the lowest available at Total Wine & More and ONLY valid through Concierge Sales. No further discounts or coupons may be applied. Offer not valid in KS, MI, NY, or TN. This offer is for ONE WEEK, or until sold out, and will expire on Wednesday, July 24th, 2024.
