Emerson Brown was founded in 2005 by winemakers Keith Emerson and Brian Brown. The both met at Vineyard 29, and after three years working together they decided to partner up for their own 'négociant' brand. They have continually made a top-tier Oakville Cabernet since their inception, but it was the Napa Valley bottling that caught our fancy. Their mission is to craft accessible, high-quality Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon that over-delivers for the price. They work with a range of growers throughout Oakville, Rutherford, St. Helena and Calistoga allowing for consistency year in and year out.

This 2017 release is dripping with brandied cherries, cassis, and black plum fruit, which fleshes out nicely with 20-30 minutes in your glass. Peel back the fruited core and you'll find hints of Mexican chocolate laced with savory herbs, cedar box and lead pencil. The finish is generously long with a streak of graphite and mineral tinge. Ready to go right now, but don’t hesitate to tuck a few bottles away for two to four years.