Winemaker Notes
Production and Style
Merlot is a variety that requires hands-on manipulation in the vineyard to make a rich, concentrated wine. Crop thinning throughout the growing season leads to a low yield of rich, concentrated fruit. Grapes are sourced from Emmolo Oak Knoll, which includes two vineyards, one of which my grandfather Frank Emmolo purchased in 1972. On an average summer day, Oak Knoll is about 7 degrees cooler than Rutherford, allowing for a longer "hang time" than in warmer areas, which means that we can push the grapes to full ripeness. Harvest came in early to mid-October, and the combination of cooler weather, crop thinning and gravely light soil created ideal conditions for producing a rich,distinctive Merlot.
Professional Ratings
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
One of California's hidden treasures? Perhaps once, but when you carefully release the genie from the bottle, you will find yourself taken on a magic carpet ride. The 2012 Emmolo Merlot is as solid as they come and of California's top wine of the year! Medium garnet red color, may a hint darker (Is the wine blushing because it so good?) Aromas of red fruit and sweet dust waif into the air the best aromas from the Right Bank of Bordeaux or the Walla Walla Valley region of Washington State. But, wait, this one is from the fine sub-appellation, near the city of Napa, called Oak Knoll; on the palate, the wine is stands tall and fine, red fruits, with a gentle note of leather persist as the wine's softness completes the palate's journey. Don't let the wine's pillowy textures fool you, this wine will gain complexity with time. Drinking well now and will gracefully improve over the next half-a-dozen years. (Tasted: April 23, 2015, San Francisco, CA)
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
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 2012 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.
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Tasting Panel
From Jenny Wagner of the Caymus Wagners; dark and rich with smooth texture and lovely, mellow notes of spice, chocolate and plum.
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James Suckling
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.
As Napa Valley’s third most planted grape, Napa Valley Merlot shows time and time again its potential to produce exceptional results. Napa’s vaunted combination of climate, soil and the human factor of winemaking expertise lead to big, ripe, cellar-worthy and world-class versions.
Whether made by itself in single varietal bottlings or as an important role in Bordeaux Blends, Merlot continues a prominent role in this famous region. While Cabernet typically takes the lead role, Merlot’s contribution—even at 10% to 20% or so—is significant indeed. Often described as “the flesh on Cabernet’s bones,” Merlot lends a soft, round and plush character that beautifully complements Cabernet’s linear, full-throttle structure. Its flavors of plums plus subtle herbs and mint also dovetail nicely with Cabernet’s blackberry and cassis.