“CJ” is an acronym for Philippe & Cherie’s two children, Chloe and Jeremy. The first vintage of CJ was 1996, the year Jeremy was born. The Melkas wanted to make this wine as a fun project—something youthful in spirit, with vibrant fruit sources. The idea was to create one of the best value wines available, and it was a mere 200 cases. The vineyards that contribute to CJ are 100% Napa Valley, ranging from Coombsville to Calistoga. This is the wine you open up while cooking dinner, then bring to the table. It's meant to be enjoyed young with family and friends.

Tasting notes from Proprietor & Winemaker Philippe Melka: “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..”

Varietal Composition: 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc, 6% Petit Verdot, 4% Merlott

Aging Potential: 3-10 Years