Emmolo Merlot by Caymus 2016

Three decades after starting Caymus, Charlie and Chuck would be inducted into Wine Spectator’s ‘Wine Hall of Fame’, earning countless ‘Wine’ and ‘Winery of the Year’ awards from multiple publications along the way. The 100% family-owned operation has flourished into one of America’s most iconic brands, and in true Wagner family tradition, was turned over to the next generation, with Chuck handing over some of the reigns to two of his children, Charlie and Jenny.

Making some of the biggest, boldest wines you can find anywhere, you have to wait in a Black Friday-sized (remember when Black Friday lines were a thing?) line to get your hands on a bottle of their flagship ‘Special Selection’ Cabernet, even when you’re a restaurant owner. Their wine flies off the shelves and has done so long before Forbes Magazine called it “A Wine-Lover’s Favorite Wine”.

But decades long relationships have a way of creating great opportunities, and today is a perfect example of a dinosaur bone being thrown my way. I got a call from an old buddy the Friday after Thanksgiving asking if I had any interest in some Wagner Family wines. I said yes without even asking what it would cost me. Then I was told the price. Now I’m saying ‘Oh, hell yes!”. As always, those savings will be passed down to you, our Nicholas faithful. So here it goes…

2016 Emmolo Napa Valley Merlot
We heard your call for more Merlot and today we’re bringing you one of the best in the US of A. Jenny Wagner, the youngest daughter of Chuck Wagner has watched her dad carefully balance high-alcohol wines that you never seem to taste on the palate. She took over the reins in 2011 and absolutely ran with it, making Emmolo a name of its own. In the 2016 vintage, she delivered a wonderful ode to the Right Bank with a big, lush dark-fruited Merlot. Smooth, well-balanced tannins drive this wine with intricate flavors of black cherries, blueberries, mocha and and violet.