The 2009 Metisse Napa Valley is another huge, totally expressive wine. Here, too, the style is more polished and elegant than the 2008. Layers of effortless, racy fruit flow from this seamless, compelling wine. Hints of smoke, ash and tar wrap around the seriously intense finish. The 2009 is 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Petit Verdot and 7% Merlot from the Jumping Goat Vineyard in St. Helena. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2029. I was very impressed with these wines from Philippe and Cherie Melka. The Melkas source fruit from a variety of vineyards in Napa Valley and Knights Valley. The flagship Metisse series represents a blend of French and American cultures.Tel. (707) 963-6008

The 2009 Metisse Knights Valley is a silkier, racier and more polished wine than the 2008 I tasted alongside it. Dark red berries, flowers, licorice, menthol and mocha are layered into a rich, textured finish. This is flat-out delicious. Here too, the style is opulent and full-bodied. All of the elements are beautifully in place. The 2009 is 65% Cabernet Franc and 35% Merlot aged in French oak barrels, 33% new. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024. I was very impressed with these wines from Philippe and Cherie Melka. The Melkas source fruit from a variety of vineyards in Napa Valley and Knights Valley. The flagship Metisse series represents a blend of French and American cultures.Tel. (707) 963-6008