Jordan and Pippen together? Shaq and Kobe? Montana and Rice?

Magical duos.

But what about Philippe Melka (Dominus, Château Haut-Brion, Petrus, and too many more to list) and Maayan Koschitzky (Screaming Eagle, Dalla Valle, Lail, Seavey…)??

Put them together to make a wine and they turn out a lush and powerful Cab-driven blend (with a touch of Merlot) that hits all the right notes. Usually, you’d have to pay $100-200 for ANY one of their wines.

But not today.

Released at $90 but through some dark art and a bit of luck we went for the kneecaps and cut it down to a mellower $49. Oh and 94 points too!

We’d need all our fingers AND toes to begin counting their cult wines. As Food & Wine said “winemaker Philippe Melka couldn’t make a bad wine if he tried. He’s the wine-world equivalent of an NBA All-Star who’s won numerous Championship games—in his case, a string of 100-point scores.”

Beautifully packaged with a unique leather label, wax cap, and a hefty bottle - the whole presentation carries through to the wine too. It’s a demonstration of plush, hedonistic, downright sexy and skilled winemaking. It is ripping with plum jam, blackberry coulis, licorice, mocha, and vanilla. A hint of fresh-tilled earth. Soft, smooth, and low acidity - the finish just coats your tongue, takes a nap, and never leaves.

If you like your plush reds, this is a must-have. And at NEARLY HALF OFF?! What a score!

94 Points – The Tasting Panel

“Winemaker Philippe Melka composed this blend of 91% Cabernet Sauvignon and 9% Petit Verdot, aged 18 months in 67% new French oak. The wine is, at first, tightly wound in its youth. Chalky tannins, black pepper, and spiced cedar defined its textured entry. Fruit becomes riper and more balanced with melt-in-your mouth chocolate. Powerful and elegant.”