“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. ~ Philippe Melka, Winemaker
More than our flagship Cabernet, it is the spirit of the estate personified. Named in memory of my grandfather, Gandona, which translates to “humble man,” Gandona always consists of 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from the highest and steepest blocks on the property, which consistently articulate the most profound and striking expression of our terrior, both emphatic and eloquent, like Gandona.
Meaning “hillside” in Portuguese, Encosta is the beginning. This Cabernet was originally created to showcase the youthful vibrancy of the vines planted by our team when the property was first acquired. With time, however, Encosta has become less about younger vines and more about showcasing the various expressions of our highly dynamic vineyard characteristics.
Fraga do Arco is an extremely unique wine for the Napa Valley and one of particular significance to me. Produced with 100% Touriga Nacional, this wine is made down to the finest detail of the exact specifications of a “Vintage” port. The dream of producing a wine like we did on my grandfather’s quinta was one that has stuck with me since I was a child; Fraga do Arco is the realization of that bridge between my youth in Portugal and my current life as a vintner in California—this is my opportunity to share a piece of that dream with you.
With resolute style and consistent quality in the Cabernet Sauvignon on property, Meia relies on the estate’s remaining planted varietals to do the heavy lifting. Portuguese for “middle,” Meia is Gandona’s opportunity to showcase what lies “in between the vines.” Every vintage boasts new qualities and characteristics from different varietals; sometimes all the fruit is needed for the core line-up, but in other fortuitous years there is enough for a micro-production of something special and unique. 2017 is only the second time Gandona has produced this label and the first time Touriga Nacional is showcased as the varietal; it’s planting on the estate a dedication to the Douro, Vintner Manuel Pires’ childhood home. Bold and brash, blue and black fruited, it’s lifted with notes of chocolate, purple flowers and herbs.