98pts Jeb Dunnuck
The only wine from Sonoma and the first year where the blend includes more Merlot than Cabernet Franc (and Merlot was incredibly successful in 2016), the 2016 Mekerra Proprietary Red is a rocking wine that offers tons of blackcurrants, chocolate, forest floor, and flowery camphor-like notes. Full-bodied, beautifully layered, with building tannins and a great elegance and seamlessness on the palate, it never puts a foot wrong and has a finish that goes on for nearly a minute. A blend of 59% Merlot and 41% Cabernet Franc brought up in 60% new French oak, the only downside is that there are only 425 cases made. If you’re lucky enough to snag some bottles, it should drink beautifully for 15-20 years.
96pts Vinous
Melka's 2016 Proprietary Red Mekerra, the estate's Merlot/Cabernet Franc blend, is terrific. Aromatic, deep and sumptuous, the 2016 is absolutely gorgeous today. Wild flowers, tobacco, cedar, menthol, cured meat and dark red cherry fruit are all pushed forward. The Franc is quite expressive today, but what impresses me most about the 2016 is how much it has softened with time in barrel. - Antonio Galloni
Winemaker Notes
The aromatics are distinctive for the varietals - fig jam, dried violet, cedar, black pepper, lavender and red currant fruits. Big, sumptuous and very concentrated, this wine is opulent without being heavy. It finishes long with unexpected freshness.
Blend: 59% Merlot, 41% Cabernet Franc