Gandona Estate
2015 Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley AVA
Auction 21 | Lot No. 143
Vintage: 2015
Gandona Estate
Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley
5 cases produced
Highlights
- A single barrel production, selected and crafted by our esteemed winemaker, Philippe Melka
- Sourced from our estate carved into the steep volcanic soils of Napa Valley's famous Pritchard Hill
- 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from our oldest vines
- Aged in 90% new French Taransaud barrels for 22 months
Description
High on the sheer, volcanic soils of the famous Pritchard Hill, proprietor Manuel Pries and renowned winemaker Philippe Melka have worked together to develop Gandona - a world class estate, producing wines of truly exceptional quality that reflect the unique character of this special site. This wine, 100% Cabernet Sauvignon fermented entirely in concrete tanks, is selected from a single barrel produced by the estates' best block, which towers over the rest on its steep terraces carved into the fractured volcanic rock. Philippe and Manuel have managed to capture the complexities of a hillside wine, while maintaining the lush and generous fruit generally associated with the valley floor. This a rare opportunity to try a one-of-a-kind wine that truly embodies the estate of Gandona.
Wine Facts
- Wine is unfiltered
- Single vineyard wine
- Sustainably produced
- Wine is 100% estate grown and bottled
Philippe Melka
Winemaker, Gandona Estate
Philippe spent much of his youth in Bordeaux, France, earning a geology degree from the University of Bordeaux. On a whim, he took a wine course in his final year of study - a decision that changed his life.
His journey started at Chateau Haut Brion (where the passion for Cabernet-based blends and Sauvignon Blanc began) where he completed a Masters program in Agronomy and Enology under the direction of Professor Sequin, the renowned terroir specialist. Philippe was fascinated by the relationship between soil and wine quality, a fascination which continues today.
Yearning to know more, he set out for Napa Valley (Dominus Estate), Western Australia (Chittering Estate), Chianti in Italy (Badia O Coltibuono) and Bordeaux (Chateau Petrus) where he divided his time between soil study and winemaking. He has devoted the past 15 years to winemaking in Napa and Sonoma Valleys - both as a consultant to the most highly regarded estate wineries, and as co-proprietor of Melka Wines with wife, Cherie.
Country born: France
Education: Geology Degree from the University of Bordeaux, France
Years in the wine industry: 15-20 years
Winemaking Philosophy:
I believe a wine should tell the story of the soil and represent what the land has to offer. Understanding the vineyard and its potential is a continually evolving process. With each year, I become more inspired by the ability of the land of Gandona.
Zoes Restaurant
713 19th Street
Virginia Beach VA 23451
757-437-3636
Other Premiere Napa Valley Wines available from Zoes Restaurant:
| Winery | Vintage | Variety | Appellation | Fanciful | Auction |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mt. Brave | 2019 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Mount Veeder | 25 (2021) | |
| Tamber Bey | 2019 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Oakville | Oakville Estate | 25 (2021) |
| Viader Vineyards & Winery | 2019 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Block B7 | 25 (2021) |
| AXR Winery | 2016 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Sleeping Pritchard | 22 (2018) |
| The Debate | 2016 | Cabernet Franc | Napa Valley | 22 (2018) | |
| Tierra Roja Vineyards | 2016 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Oakville | Ames Straight | 22 (2018) |
| Trefethen Family Vineyards | 2016 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley | Celebrating 50 Years! | 22 (2018) |
| Gandona Estate | 2015 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | 21 (2017) | |
| HALL | 2015 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Rutherford | Sacrashe | 21 (2017) |
| La Jota Vineyard Co. | 2015 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Howell Mountain | 21 (2017) | |
| Mt. Brave | 2015 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Mount Veeder | 21 (2017) | |
| Alpha Omega | 2014 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Dr. To Kalon | 20 (2016) |
| Gandona Estate | 2014 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | 20 (2016) | |
| Matthiasson | 2014 | Red Wine | Napa Valley | Three Sisters | 20 (2016) |
| Shafer Vineyards | 2014 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Stags Leap District | Sunspot Vineyard | 20 (2016) |
| Tierra Roja Vineyards | 2014 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Oakville | Collaboration | 20 (2016) |
| Trefethen Family Vineyards | 2014 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley | Perfect Timing | 20 (2016) |
| Hess Collection Winery | 2013 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Mount Veeder | 19 (2015) | |
| Trefethen Family Vineyards | 2013 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley | Lost & Found | 19 (2015) |
| Bello Family Vineyards | 2012 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | 18 (2014) | |
| Shafer Vineyards | 2012 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Stags Leap District | Sunspot Vineyard | 18 (2014) |
| Spottswoode Estate Vineyard and Winery | 2012 | Cabernet Sauvignon | St. Helena | 18 (2014) |
Winery Distribution
Gandona Estate is distributed in the following markets. Please contact the winery directly for the most up-to-date distribution information and to explore commercial opportunities.