Caymus does not own Mer Soleil. While Caymus Vineyards was indeed founded by Chuck Wagner and his parents in 1972, Mer Soleil is now led by Chuck's son, winemaker Charlie Wagner.
Mer Soleil is a separate winery that was established by the Wagner family in 1988. Located in the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA of Monterey County, California, Mer Soleil is known for producing exceptional Chardonnay wines.
I had the pleasure of visiting Mer Soleil a few years ago and was truly impressed by their beautiful vineyards and state-of-the-art winemaking facilities. The winery sits atop the slopes of the Santa Lucia Mountains, benefiting from the cool ocean breezes that sweep through the region. This unique microclimate gives Mer Soleil's Chardonnay grapes the ideal conditions to ripen slowly and develop complex flavors.
One of the standout features of Mer Soleil is their use of concrete fermentation tanks, which provide a distinct character to their wines. The concrete tanks allow for gentle oxygenation and provide a slightly porous surface that enhances the texture and mouthfeel of the wine. This technique, combined with careful barrel aging, results in rich and expressive Chardonnays with a beautiful balance of fruit, acidity, and minerality.
In addition to their signature Mer Soleil Chardonnay, the winery also produces a Reserve Chardonnay, which undergoes extended aging in French oak barrels. This wine showcases even greater depth and complexity, with layers of flavors that unfold with each sip.
It's worth noting that while Mer Soleil is a distinct winery from Caymus, both share a commitment to producing high-quality wines that reflect the unique terroir of their respective regions. The Wagner family's dedication to craftsmanship and attention to detail can be tasted in every bottle.
While Caymus Vineyards and Mer Soleil are both part of the Wagner family's winemaking legacy, they are separate entities. Mer Soleil, under the leadership of Charlie Wagner, continues to produce exceptional Chardonnay wines that showcase the beauty of the Santa Lucia Highlands.