Emmolo 2016 Napa Merlot

Grapes for this wine were sourced from Napa Valley’s Oak Knoll district, which includes two family vineyards. The area’s cooler weather, along with crop thinning and gravelly light soil, creates ideal conditions for producing a rich, distinctive Merlot. This wine is lush and supple on the palate, with expansive, dark berry flavors, a fresh earthiness and smooth, leathery tannins.

Alcohol: 15.2%

92 POINTS - "Although this winery has been around since 1944, I am unfamiliar with its wines. Packaged in an interesting bottle with a label sporting green ink, this 2016 Merlot is made in an explosively rich, blockbuster style. Its opaque purple color is accompanied by oodles of blackcurrant and black cherry fruit intertwined with hints of espresso and chocolate. Full-bodied and super-rich, but not overly extracted or astringent, this beautifully made, full-throttle, pedal-to-the-metal Merlot should win the hearts and minds of many California wine enthusiasts. It is the complete package – from aromatics to an impressive entry, a full, savory mid-palate, and a long finish. Kudos to producer Jenny Wagner." - Robert Parker

92 POINTS - "From Jenny Wagner of the Caymus Wagners; dark and rich with smooth texture and lovely, mellow notes of spice, chocolate and plum." - Tasting Panel

91 POINTS - "This is a very fruity red with plum, berry and lots of earth. Hints of wood too. Full body, round texture and a juicy finish. Fruit-forward and fun. Drink now." - James Suckling

Socially Rated 4+ / 5 ⭐

A dark rustic red, the 2016 vintage features rich, fragrant scents of blueberries, coffee beans, leather and a hint of pomace, enhanced by notes of violet, anise and wildflowers. Entry on the palate is silky, then builds with flavors of dark berry crumble and shaved chocolate. Tannins start off soft, holding onto their softness and fine texture even as they become more pronounced. This is a wine that fills and coats the mouth, leading into an extremely long finish marked by flavors of coffee beans and dark cocoa.