96pts Vinous

The 2017 Proprietary Red Mekerra is superb. Rich and explosive on the palate, the 2017 Proprietary Red Makerra exudes energy and vibrancy from start to finish. Super-ripe dark fruit, chocolate, spice, leather, menthol and licorice all run through this striking, voluptuous red from the Knights Valley estate vineyard. Red cherry jam, chocolate, expresso, mint and spice notes build with time in the glass. Picking a bit on the early side, in relative terms, yielded a wine that captures quite a bit of richness as well as freshness. Strong Cabernet Franc accents give the 2017 much of its considerable appeal.

95pts James Suckling

A beautiful, layered red with plenty of dark-berry, chocolate and hazelnut character. Full-bodied and round. Juicy finish. A blend of cabernet franc and merlot.

Winemaker Notes

Both the Cabernet Franc and Merlot were the first to be planted on this parcel of land in 2004. The aromatics boast ripe dark blackberry fruit with tobacco and leather components with hints of crushed rocks. The entry of the wine leads off with Merlot and then the depth and density of the Cabernet franc is apparent as the two harmoniously co-exist. The finish is sublime with nice chewy tannins with a long lingering savory note. This wine is a classic Mekerra with an abundance of minerality.

Blend: 55% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Franc