One of the biggest players in Napa, Caymus and the Wagner Family of Wines has established themselves as superstar producers of ripe and robust wines. Caymus has established itself for more than 40 years and is known for some of the best Cabernet out of Napa.
Besides Caymus, Wagner Family produces several lines of wines including Conundrum, Emmolo and Mer Soleil. The new lineup of wines by Wagner Family were highly impressive. Caymus also produces a reserve Cabernet wine, bottled as their ‘Special Selection.’ The past three vintages of the ‘Special Selection’ have been insanely good — none more so than their new release, the 2014 ‘Special Selection’ Cabernet (WWB, 97) which is a heavyhitter of a wine, showing gobs of dark fruit alongside wonderful graphite and mineral components. The 2014 ‘Special Selection’ is up there with the best Napa Cabernet bottlings that I have sampled this year.
Learn more about Caymus and the Wagner Family of Wines at http://www.wagnerfamilyofwine.com
2015 Conundrum White Wine- The ‘Connundrum’ White Wine is an excellent blend of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Muscat Canelli, and Viognier. Refreshing and downright delicious, this wine yields some bright flavors of honeydew melon, green apple, bright pear and starfruit. The bursts of fruit in the glass is intense, as is the excellent minerality expressed. With a touch of sweetness, this is a fantastic wine for summer. Drink 2017-2021- 90
2016 Conundrum Rose- This intriguing Rose wine is made from the Valdigué varietal, largely only grown in California. This great Rose wine comes in a great looking retro bottle. The wine begins with a ripe bouquet of pink grapefruit, watermelon and red cherry. Fruity and downright delicious flavors await, reminiscent of red cherry, red raspberry, currant and guava puree that sit alongside some brisk minerality. This has lovely weight as it is done in the forward style, while maintaining good structure. Drink 2017-2021- 90
2015 Emmolo Sauvignon Blanc- This light colored Sauvignon Blanc wine by Emmolo begins with aromatics of unripe pear, gooseberry and citrus blossoms. Lithe and light on its feet, this great wine delivers ripe flavors of pear, Pink Lady apple, lemongrass and suggestions of baking spices. This shows off the heat of the vintage while maintaining some excellent structure. Drink 2017-2022- 91
2015 Mer Soleil ‘Silver’ Chardonnay- This unoaked Chardonnay wine is sourced from Monterey County and was aged in both stainless steel and small concrete tanks. The wine begins with aromatics of ripe peach, Golden Delicious apple, creme brûlée and nutmeg. The bouquet is lovely, bordering on exotic. Creme brulee, white peach, marzipan and brioche flavors coat the mid-palate, as does mouthwatering acidity. This is a gorgeous effort and a downright awesome value from this estate. Drink 2017-2025- 93
2015 Emmolo Merlot- This dense colored Merlot wine comes from a hot vintage in Napa and begins with deep aromatics reminiscent of black tea, Hoisin sauce, mocha and mint. The palate is plush, offering creme de cassis, pipe tobacco and black cherry cough syrup flavors. Chewy tannins round out this exceedingly delicious Merlot wine. Drink 2017-2027- 91
2014 Caymus ‘Special Selection’ Cabernet- The 2014 Caymus 'Special Selection' Cabernet is an exceptional wine made from this storied estate. Following some time to settle in the decanter, this incredible Cabernet wine begins to yield dense aromatics of creosote, black tar, black cherry compote, milk chocolate shavings and licorice. The mid-palate mouthfeel is voluptuous and intense as this wine offers exceedingly dense flavors of black cherry cough syrup, milk chocolate, raspberry liquor, blueberry pie and boysenberry alongside tar accents. Be sure to give a stunning one at least a two hour decant before enjoying young as the tannins are massive and need time to develop. I can see this exceedingly delicious Cabernet wine cellaring beautifully for two decades on. This is up there with the best ‘Special Selection’ Cabernet wines that I have ever sampled. Drink 2018-2038- 97