Lewis and Clark. Jim and Pam. Kanye and Kanye.

All top choices in the “dynamic duo” hall of fame. But what about Melka and Koschitzky? Two winemakers responsible for smash hits at some of the best wineries in the world. Only this time, they teamed up on a Cabernet project from an often overlooked region - the Sierra Foothills. How else can you fashion a 93 point Cabernet blend and let it go for a stupid low price of $19??

This kind of value would be impossible in Napa Valley, where prices for top-quality grapes soar.

You’ll recall the Andis name from a couple of amazing old vine Zins we have featured from them. Well, they have been quietly brewing this blend that puts Sierra Foothills on the map in a whole new way.

In an interview with Somm Journal, our friend Lorenzo Muslia of Andis explains; “it seemed as though there was a preconceived perception of our wine, and it made me feel like I had something to prove. I wondered, ‘Why are people so skeptical and scared to try our wines from this region?’ It took me years to understand that the answer was in the history of what we used to be. We were “cursed by the knowledge” they had about our region, and the only way to break that spell was to make extraordinary wines.”

Philippe Melka stands atop the California winemaking pyramid, having left his mark on countless wines and wineries, producing innumerable high-scoring gems for places like Seavey, Lail, Vineyard 29, Dana Estates… and Melka shares Andis’ winemaking with another key player, Maayan Koschitzky who honed his skills at the likes of Screaming Eagle and Dalla Valle. How can you go wrong with a duo like that? The truth is in the bottle.

A lovely shade of crimson on the rim focuses towards a near opaque core of dark ruby. The perfume exhibits lots of crème de cassis and blue fruits intermixed with hints of BBQ spice. Charcoal and forest floor add onto blue and black fruits with ample weight and complexity. Impressively long with balance, richness, purity, velvety tannins, and a layered, opulent texture. Miso braised short ribs with shiitakes served over mashed potatoes and creamed spinach would be far better off served with this hearty red.

A true value at the release price and an eye-popping must have at our price today.

Again: Melka-Koschitzky, Cab blend, 93 Points, 19 bucks.

Let’s see you back that truck up!

93 Points – The Tasting Panel

“A powerhouse that effortlessly releases red and blue fruit into a stream of violets and mountain brush. Fine acidity leans into an inner meatiness that keeps it as fresh as it is bold and complex. Floral and fruit aromatics persist through the finish.”