“To live a long life, balance is key.” – Philippe Melka
Philippe Melka started his career in Bordeaux working for some of the world-renowned Chateau Petrus and Chateau Haut-Brion. For the past 25 years, Philippe has been a winemaking consultant for some of Napa’s most highly regarded properties, producing multiple 100-point wines. In 2019, Phantom Creek welcomed Melka as the consulting winemaker for Phantom Creek’s red wine program working closely with winemaker Francis Hutt.
While travelling on Black Sage Road in Oliver, British Columbia, Phantom Creek Estates reveals itself atop the Becker Vineyard. You feel the commitment to excellence right away, and realize that you’re in an extraordinary place.
There is a shared passion and energy when you work with the people who have a love for what they’re doing. That passion is essential as there are no overnight successes in the wine business. The wine industry is challenging, and there is a ton of expertise and many hours of brainstorming to create a glass of wine. “So when I look at a glass of wine, I see all the hard work behind it.”
The hallmark for great red wines is the potential of ageing over the long term. The foundation of great wine is based on a few factors: the acidity, the alcohol, and the tannin structure. These three elements, when blended seamlessly, create an extremely stable wine that will showcase the purity of terroir for years to come.
Wine is a living product; the energy flowing out of the glass is inspiring and has driven Melka throughout his career to continue pushing the boundaries while exploring the art of winemaking and viticulture. Making wines of distinction and sophistication is the goal of the entire Phantom Creek Estates team, and we cannot wait to share that passion with every guest visiting the Estate.
As the consulting winemaker for the red wine program, Melka joins an elite team of wine legends, including Alsace superstar and Master of Wine, Olivier Humbrecht, the consulting winemaker for the white wine program and wine industry veteran Santiago Cilley as CEO.
Welcome to Phantom Creek Estates – – winemaking at its finest.
Chapter 6: Balance
