CJ Cabernet
Our 25th offering of our beloved CJ Cabernet Sauvignon. The aromatics are striking with dark cherry, floral notes, vanilla, and hints of cola and minerals. The wine has a gorgeous sweet entry demonstrating incredible depth and voluptuousness. Amazingly seamless and well-balanced, the finish is strong and long with powerful, integrated velvety tannins that will have you pouring more than a second glass.
82% Cabernet sauvignon, 11% PETIT VERDOT, 5% MERLOT, 2% Cabernet Franc
100% Napa Valley
Production: 1250 cases
Bottling: June, 2023
Aging: 20 months 35% new French oak
Release: January 23, 2024
“A fabulous expression of the 2021 which is firing on all cylinders with purity of fruit, power and balance.”
~ Philippe and Cherie Melka, proprietors
Our 23rd vintage of this wine and it is still a joy to produce. There is a reason our CJ has such a strong following and this wine does not disappoint. The nose is intense and powerful with black currant, raspberry and fresh strawberries along with hints of crushed rocks. The entry is juicy and layered complemented by cassis, red plum, with a leathery yet vibrant structure. This wine has lots of fruit with plush, integrated tannins that make this easy and approachable even at a young stage in its life.
Recommended to decant to show off even more of its expressivity.
75% Cabernet sauvignon, 10% CABERNET FRANC, 10% MERLOT, 5% PETIT VERDOT
100% Napa Valley
Production: 1470 cases
Bottling: June, 2021
Aging: 22 months 40% new French oak
Release: January 25, 2022
“A beautiful expression of the 2019 growing season showing a superbly structured yet approachable wine.”
~ Philippe and Cherie Melka, proprietors
This wine has had its following for many decades and is still a joy to produce. The nose is very savory with tobacco notes, mountain herbs and a strong red fruit profile. The palate is very juicy and enjoyable with layers of fruit, acidity and well integrated soft tannins. Notes of dried plum, cranberry, and hint of vanilla are throughout the wine with beautiful red after notes.
The finish is fresh with excellent acidity, rounded tannins and just a hint of sweetness. This is a very food driven wine and beckons to accompany a juicy red protein.
75% Cabernet sauvignon, 13% CABERNET FRANC, 9% MERLOT, 3% PETIT VERDOT
100% Napa Valley
Production: 1500 cases
Bottling: July, 2020
Aging: 22 months 40% new French oak
Release: January 19, 2021
“A beautiful expression of Napa Valley Cabernet from vineyards that have continually produced great fruit for years.”
~ Philippe and Cherie Melka, proprietors
As we begin our third decade of producing this Cabernet named after our children, we are excited at how incredible this wine continues to be. Exhibiting a nose of dark blackberry and blackcurrant, nuanced with notes of vanilla, and fresh rose powder, the subtlety and finesse are what strike the mind. The beautiful framework of this creamy, velvety and rich wine has amazing structure and mid-palate with a mouthfeel full dark cherry and purity of fruit expression. This wine has incredible balance and length to its finish.
75% Cabernet sauvignon, 11% MERLOT, 9% petit verdot, 5% cabernet franc
100% Napa Valley
Production: 1375 cases
Bottling: June, 2019
Aging: 22 months 40% new French oak
Release: January 21, 2020
“A beautiful expression of Napa Valley Cabernet from three of our favorite vineyards that have continually produced great fruit for years.”
~ Philippe and Cherie Melka, proprietors
Introducing our 20th vintage of this amazing Napa Valley Cabernet.
Exhibiting a nose of dark cherry and blackcurrant, nuanced with notes of creosote, graphite, cloves and vanilla. This dense and full bodied wine is layered from the start and finished with powerful coating tannins. This wine has an incredible oily texture and a multi-dimensional structure with amazing balance, power and sophistication - it is sure to age gracefully for years.
85% Cabernet sauvignon, 8% MERLOT, 7% petit verdot
100% Napa Valley
Production: 1525 cases
Bottling: June, 2018
Aging: 22 months 50% new French oak
Release: January 22, 2019
“This 2016 is probably the most dramatically intense and opulent style of CJ to date. Quite the evolution from a vibrant, youthful style wine to a one that is sophisticated and mature - very much like its namesake Chloe and Jeremy”
~ Philippe and Cherie Melka, proprietors
With a nose boasting of subtle cherry and raspberry along with floral and mineral notes, this rich and creamy wine exhibits a unique combination of crushed rocks and bright red fruit. The hillside site can be credited for creating this more floral and red fruit focussed wine. Well balanced with great structure, this CJ will undoubtedly be a huge crowd pleaser.
80% Cabernet sauvignon,
12% CABERNET FRANC, 8% MERLOT
100% Napa Valley
Production: 1700 cases
Bottling: June of 2017
Aging: 19 months 30% new French oak
Release: January 23, 2018
Suggested Retail: $75.00
“The vintage was a warm one but the Cabernet for CJ comes from a cooler hillside site. This wine is an exceptional showing of an amazing vintage.”
~ Philippe and Cherie Melka, proprietors
With an extremely seductive nose boasting dark fruit, black cherry and earthiness in its aroma profile, this elegant, textural wine exhibits floral and toasty, silky and vibrant, juicy and sweet all at the same time. Well balanced with integrated acidity, tannin and alcohol, this sumptuous and expressive Cabernet is one for the ages.
76% Cabernet sauvignon, 10% PETIT VERDOT
8% CABERNET FRANC, 6% MERLOT
100% Napa Valley
Production: 1800 cases
Bottling: June of 2016
Aging: 19 months 30% new French oak
Release: January 24, 2017
Suggested Retail: $75.00
“The vintage was exceptional by all counts and this particular CJ demonstrates maturity and elegance. Befitting since our kids bearing those initials have become fine young adults.”
~ Philippe and Cherie Melka, proprietors
~ 94 pts, Robert Parker, Jr.
With an extremely seductive nose boasting dark fruit, black cherry and earthiness in its aroma profile, this elegant, textural wine exhibits floral and toasty, silky and vibrant, juicy and sweet all at the same time. Well balanced with integrated acidity, tannin and alcohol, this sumptuous and expressive Cabernet is one for the ages.
76% Cabernet sauvignon, 10% PETIT VERDOT
8% CABERNET FRANC, 6% MERLOT
100% Napa Valley
Production: 1800 cases
Bottling: June of 2016
Aging: 19 months 30% new French oak
Release: January 24, 2017
“The vintage was exceptional by all counts and this particular CJ demonstrates maturity and elegance. Befitting since our kids bearing those initials have become fine young adults.”
~ Philippe and Cherie Melka, proprietors
~ 94 pts, Robert Parker, Jr.
This vintage produced some amazing wines in the Napa Valley and our CJ is no exception. With an extremely seductive nose boasting black fruit and black currants in its aroma profile, this lush and layered wine demonstrates well-ripened fruit along with well integrated acidity. Chocolate and gravelly with tons of finesse, the powerful tannins are present but round and voluptuous. This CJ has all the components of a great wine: approachability, depth and the ability to age.
81% Cabernet sauvignon, 9% Cabernet franc
7% Merlot and 3% Petit verdot
100% Napa Valley
Production: 1700 cases
Bottling: May of 2015
Aging: 18 months 30% new French oak
Release: January 26, 2016
Suggested Retail: $65.00
“While still perhaps too early to judge, we feel this is easily one of the top three vintages from the seventeen produced to date.”
~ Philippe and Cherie Melka, proprietors
This vintage was a very striking and plentiful one and this CJ has the amazing depth that resonates with the 2012 harvest. With intense aromatics of dark red cherry, cedar, smoke and leather along with incredible richness, this wine demonstrates how a very complex wine can also be truly balanced and lush. This is certainly one of the most structured CJ's that we have ever produced to date.
76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% PETIT VERDOT,
8% MERLOT, 4% CABERNET FRANC
100% Napa Valley
Production: 1700 cases
Bottling: May of 2014
Aging: 18 months, 30% new French oak
Release: January 13, 2015
Suggested Retail: 65.00
“We strive to create a wine that will prove to be the best value cabernet on the market. This was our goal when we started this label back in 1996 - this current vintage does not disappoint.”
~ Philippe and Cherie Melka, proprietors
What a fun vintage for a French winemaker - back to the tradition of low alcohol and finesse. It felt like we were in Bordeaux and not California. This wine's blend composition is a reflection of the vintage. Having selected out all the Cabernet that did not meet our standards, the resultant wine is a round, sumptuous wine with silky tannins with notes of black currant fruit, tobacco, mocha, and cedar that combine with a long and lingering finish. This Cabernet is lush, delicious and loaded with character.
75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% PETIT VERDOT, 9% MERLOT, 4% CABERNET FRANC
100% NAPA VALLEY
Production: 1800 cases
Bottling: June 2013
Aging: 18 months, 45% new French oak
Release: September 24, 2013
"We strive to create a wine that will prove to be the best value cabernet on the market. This was our goal when we started this label back in 1996 - this current vintage does not disappoint."
– Cherie & Philippe Melka, proprietors
The 2010 CJ is a seductive, opulent wine exhibiting dark purple/ruby color with characteristics of licorice, spice, tobacco and plenty of black currant along with good plushness and a long, luxurious finish. Despite a couple of storms in October, we harvested the grapes in a perfect condition of ripeness which yields a wine with great finesse, earthy tones and beautiful tannins. This vintage will be considered as one of the finest in Napa Valley.
83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 5% Cabernet franc, 2% petit verdot
100% Napa Valley
Production: 2000 cases
Bottling: June 2012
Aging: 20 months, 45% new French oak
Release: September 18, 2012
"We strive to create a wine that will prove to be the best value cabernet on the market. This was our goal when we started this label back in 1996 - this current vintage does not disappoint."
– Cherie & Philippe Melka, proprietors
2009 was a cooler vintage in general and as a result this wine exhibits more dark fruit characters. Plentiful aromas of dark cherry, cassis, tobacco with ripe, sweet fruit abound. This full-bodied wine is extremely lush and vibrant - with hints of spice and tar layered in between and possessing powerful, soft tannins. The finish is dense and long.
83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet franc, 6% petit verdot and 4% Merlot
100% Napa Valley
Production: 1800 cases
Bottling: June 2010
Aging: 20 months in one year old French oak
Release: Fall 2011
In 2009 we were able to source additional high end vineyards from extraordinary sites to be able to produce more of this stunning cabernet. CJ continues to prove itself as one of the best value cabernets from Napa Valley.
– Cherie & Philippe Melka, proprietors
This wine exhibits aromas of blueberry, anise and black currants along with subtle hints of Asian spices. This full-bodied, dense and concentrated wine is packed with rich fruit flavors. It possesses a velvety texture with a mouth feel full of layers. This wine is the best expression of some of the great hillside vineyards in southern Napa Valley.
91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot
100% Napa Valley
Production: 1450 cases
Bottling: June 2010
Aging: 20 months in one year old French oak
Release: Fall 2010
In 2008, CJ has surpassed our expectations of a wine with incredible depth and character. This wine continues to epitomize the best value cabernet from Napa Valley.
– Cherie & Philippe Melka, proprietors
Dense, dark and simply delicious. These three descriptors vividly explain this wine.
The aromas of black currants are intermixed with cedar, earth and vanillin. This full-bodied and
opulent wine has a velvety texture and seamlessly integrated tannins.
Undoubtedly one of the best made CJ's to date.
82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot & 9% Petit Verdot
100% Napa Valley
Production: 1300 cases
Bottling: June 2009
Aging: 20 months in one year old French oak
Release: Fall 2009
Chloe and Jeremy have been developing their maturity and in so doing, their uniqueness has evolved.
As we see them grow, the CJ brand has also grown to emulate their distinctive character.
– Cherie & Philippe Melka, proprietors
Lean and earthy with dark berry flavors combine with vanilla and cinder box to excite the senses. Firm yet super juicy, this succulent Napa Valley classic is a wine that never disappoints. The velvety tannins integrate seemlessly with the acidity making this wine approachable even in its youth.
85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot, 5% Cabernet Franc
100% Napa Valley
Production: 1100 cases produced
Bottling: June 2008
Aging: 19 months in 59 gallon French oak barrels, 75% new oak
Release: October 2008
Recommended to drink or hold for up to 7-10 years.
"This wine joyfully commemorates our tenth vintage of CJ Cabernet. We have had such fun involving
our children with thisproject and teaching them the importance of integrity and dedication."
- Cherie & Philippe Melka, owners and winemakers
The aromatics of this wine are extremely rich with blackberry, fig and vanilla. It expresses intense youthfulness which shows through to the finish. It is concentrated without being heavy. Superbly integrated acidity and sweet tannins make for an enjoyable wine. Decanting is strongly recommended.
83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot
100% Napa Valley
Production: 1500 cases produced
Bottling: May 2007
Aging: 19 months in 59 gallon French oak barrels, 75% new oak
Release: Fall 2007
"This wine clearly demonstrates evolution and maturity. Like our children, it is beginning to reveal
it's true character which is liveliness and playfulness along with depth and seriousness"
- Philippe and Cherie Melka, winemakers.
This wine is reminiscent of the 2003: it is a dense "big cab" style but with enough harmony and integration to make it approachable. The aromas of smoke, blackberry, liquor and oak spices increase in intensity with aeration. The mouth feel is broad with a rich texture and luscious sweetness.
93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc
100% Napa Valley
Production: 990 cases produced
Bottling: June 2006
Aging: 19 months in 59 gallon French oak barrels
Release: November 2006
Recommended to drink or hold.
"The 2004 CJ is a wine that exhibits both elegance and structure. To us the CJ has
become a wine that is tried and true - like the love of our children."
- Cherie & Philippe Melka, owners
This wine is a densely structured full bodied cabernet with a deep red color. The aromatics are a mix of blackberry, tar and chocolate with floral overtones. The wine is rich with dark fruit flavors, chocolate and smokiness with layers of complexity. It has a nice long finish and benefits from decanting.
100% Cabernet Sauvignon
100% Napa Valley
Production: 1100 cases
Bottling: June 2005
Aging: 19 months in 59 gallon French oak barrels, 50% new oak
Release: December 2005
Recommended to drink or hold.
"The 2003 CJ is by far one of our best efforts to date. We have achieved a wine that shows its
seriousness without losing its charm and playful nature. It reminds us - that like our children
- wine can be serious yet made to enjoy."
- Cherie & Philippe Melka, owners
This wine is an expressive, full bodied cabernet with deep red color. The aromatics are a mix of dark fruits, such as blackberry and currant, with subtle notes of oak and vanilla. The wine is rich with flavors of raspberry, chocolate and smokiness with a mouthfeel that lends itself to layers of complexity yet superbly balanced. It finishes smoothly with soft, polished tannins.
100% Cabernet Sauvignon
100% Napa Valley
Production: 1100 cases
Bottling: July, 2004
Aging: 18 months in 59 gallon barrels, 40% new oak
Release: December 2004
Recommended to hold up to 7 years
"The 2002 CJ is one of our favorite vintages of this wine due to its richness; full of blackberries, blackcurrant and smoky character. It reminds us of the energy and pleasure that a 6 and 8 year old can give."
-Cherie & Philippe Melka, owners
The color is a deep, dark red. The nose exhibits earthy flavors with notes of cedar, tobacco and nice aromatics of blackberry fruit. The wine boasts flavors of coffee, chocolate, tar and smokiness with loads of texture. This medium to full-bodied wine is an explosion in the glass with a long, ripe finish.
100% Cabernet Sauvignon
100% Napa Valley
The color is a deep, dark red. The nose exhibits earthy flavors with notes of cedar, tobacco and nice aromatics of blackberry fruit. The wine boasts flavors of coffee, chocolate, tar and smokiness with loads of texture. This medium to full-bodied wine is an explosion in the glass with a long, ripe finish.
Production: 710 cases
Bottling: August 2003
Aging: 20 months in 59 gallon barrels
Release: Fall 2003
The color is a bright deep red. The nose is aromatically intense after just a few seconds in the glass. It is juicy, with dark fruits, licorice and anise with notes of earthiness and tar. The wine is round with a deep and generous mouthfeel. The attack is soft, full of flavors, elegant and pure. The finish comes with soft tannins, and a touch of sweetness. This is a classic CJ - full of generosity, sensitivity, youth and energy.
100% Cabernet Sauvignon
100% Napa Valley
Production: 600 cases
Bottling: June 2002
Aging: 20 months in 59 gallon barrels; 45% new oak
Release: Fall 2002
"...a truly beautiful bottle of wine. The aromas sing of vanilla and sweet berries
and the wine is delicious, soft, and round in the mouth - WOW!"
- The Wine Steward
The aromatics show vanilla, caramel and blackberries. The wine is delicious; the entrance is round with a nice soft texture, it is juicy and finishes with perfumed bright cherry.
100% Cabernet Sauvignon
100% Napa Valley
Production: 600 cases
Bottling: June 2001
Release: 20 months in 59 gallon barrels; 45% new oak
Aging: Fall 2001
Recommended to drink or hold.
". . . this is a wine that shows character, elegance and charm, all of which typify the winemaking style of Philippe Melka."
- Garret Murphy - Vintner's Collective
The appearance is a dark deep red. An impressive nose of fruit intensity reveals aromsas of black currant, anise and red cherry. Full of youth, this wine explodes flavors of caramel, smokiness, coffee, licorice and spice. The mouthfeel is harmonious with polished tannins.
100% Cabernet Sauvignon
100% Napa Valley
Production: 600 cases
Bottling: June 2000
Aging: 20 months in 59 gallon barrels; 45% new oak
Release: Fall 2000
Recommended to drink.
"You might also seek out a few second-label wines from producers
with good reputations, which parallel the elegance of their pricier siblings."
- Wine & Spirits, Fall 2001
Ripe aromatics of cedar, sweet vanilla and blueberries. Medium to full bodied, the wine is linear showing a big extraction of fruit. The finish is long and ripe with very polished tannins and firm acidity. A vibrant wine to be enjoyed in its youth.
100% Cabernet Sauvignon
100% Napa Valley
Production: 600 cases
Bottling: July 1999
Aging: 20 months in 59 gallon barrels; 45% new oak
Release: Fall 1999
Recommended to drink or hold.
"November 1999 Red plum and black currant flavors, meaty texture, cedar notes and velvety tannins."
- The San Francisco Chronicle
The nose exhibits earthy flavors, leather and blackcurrant. A medium bodied wine, the entrance is smooth and seductive with nice aromatics of cola and red cherry. The finish is intense developing supple tannins and animal characters.
100% Cabernet Sauvignon
100% Napa Valley
Production: 200 cases
Bottling: June 1998
Aging: 20 months in 59 gallon barrel; 45% new oak
Release: Fall 1998
Recommended to drink now.
"Dense and minerally, with a core of tar, earth and black cherry flavors. Rustic but flavorful, with wild tannins."
- The Wine Spectator, November, 1999