Melka 'CJ' Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

In Short

A full-bodied Napa Cabernet with ripe blackberry and plum, velvety tannins, and dark chocolate depth.

Quick Facts

• Region: Napa Valley, California
• Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon
• Style: Full-bodied red
• Best For: Special occasions, cellar

Why We Stock It

Philippe Melka is a winemaker with deep roots in Napa, and his CJ bottling shows why he has built a following. The wine balances ripe fruit and structure without leaning too hard on oak, making it approachable now but built to age another decade or more.

Tasting Profile

This is a complete Napa Cabernet with dark fruit, earth, and a polished texture.

• Aroma: Blackberry, plum, subtle oak and spice
• Palate: Cassis, dark chocolate, layered and rich
• Structure & Finish: Velvety tannins, long finish with mineral complexity

Winemaking

The wine is made from Cabernet Sauvignon grown in Napa Valley, brought together and aged in a combination of new and neutral oak to let the fruit and structure speak without overwhelming oak influence.

Serving & Pairing

Serve between 64 and 67 degrees Fahrenheit, and decant for 30 minutes before opening to let it breathe. It pairs beautifully with grilled steak or a classic beef bourguignon, but also holds its own with roasted mushrooms and aged cheeses. The wine's tannin structure and acidity make it a natural match for rich, savory food.

The Estate

Philippe Melka is a consulting winemaker with a long history in Napa and an established reputation for his work across multiple estates and his own label. The CJ bottling reflects his approach to balancing ripeness with freshness and structure.

Terroir

Napa Valley's warm days and cool nights create ideal conditions for Cabernet Sauvignon, allowing full phenolic ripeness while preserving the acidity that keeps the wine fresh. The valley's diverse soils, from gravelly benchlands to clay-rich flats, contribute the mineral backbone and complexity you find in the finish.