Winemaker Philippe Melka

Before Philippe was our winemaker he was my friend. He was there when I first voiced the idea of growing grapes and making wine, and he was there the day we first walked the land that would become our vineyard. I thought the site had potential and Philippe confirmed it emphatically.

Twelve years later Philippe’s confidence has proved to be well founded. In addition to being a great guy Philippe is also a geologist, a viticulturist and a world renowned oenologist. I like to call him the “triple threat” as he is all at once a soils expert, a plant guy, and a great winemaker. Philippe selected the varietals, the clones and rootstocks, the trellising system, the vinerow spacing, and the row orientation. He was also intimately involved in the design of the caves and the winery building.

Philippe got his degrees at Bordeaux One University and then did his early training at Haut Brion and Petrus. After that he did vintages all around the world for a couple of years. Ultimately,, his connection with Christian Moeiux at Petrus led to a job at Dominus. From Dominus he went on to launch a career as a consulting winemaker. Over the last 15 years Philippe has become one of the most well regarded winemakers in the world.

I love the wines Philippe makes and, I respect his commitment to balance in the vineyard and the wines. I have thoroughly enjoyed sharing this journey with him.