Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon 2019: A Bold and Balanced Vintage

Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 is a highly sought-after wine that has been making waves in the wine industry since its release. This wine is made from a blend of 77% Cabernet Sauvignon and 23% red Bordeaux varieties and hails from the Napa Valley, a region that is known for producing some of the best Cabernet Sauvignon wines in the world.

The 2019 vintage of Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon has been described as "very polished, fully ripe and very well-fruited with a generous, but always-complementary allocation of sweet oak fitting in seamlessly with its dominant themes of juicy black cherries and cassis" by Wine.com. Wine-Searcher also notes that the wine is "dark in color, with rich fruit and ripe, velvety tannins - as approachable in youth as in maturity" and that "the palate is layered, lush aromas and flavors, including cocoa, cassis and ripe dark berries."

Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 has received high ratings from wine critics and enthusiasts alike, with many praising its depth, complexity, and balance. Whether you're a seasoned wine connoisseur or just looking to try something new, Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 is definitely a wine worth trying.

The Caymus Legacy

History of Caymus Vineyards

Caymus Vineyards is a family-owned winery located in the Napa Valley. Founded in 1972 by Charles F. (Charlie) Wagner and his wife Lorna Belle Glos Wagner, Caymus Vineyards is known for producing some of the best Cabernet Sauvignon in the world.

Charlie Wagner, a third-generation Napa Valley farmer, started his winemaking career in the 1940s when he and his father, Charles Wagner Sr., established the Wagner Family Winery. In the 1960s, Charlie and his son Chuck began experimenting with Cabernet Sauvignon, which eventually led to the creation of Caymus Vineyards.

The Wagner Family

The Wagner family has been involved in winemaking for over 100 years, starting with Charlie Wagner's grandfather, who made wine in the cellar of his home in the small town of Emmett, Idaho. Today, the Wagner family is one of the most respected and successful winemaking families in the Napa Valley.

Chuck Wagner, Charlie's son, is the current owner and winemaker at Caymus Vineyards. He has continued his family's tradition of producing high-quality wines, earning numerous accolades and awards over the years. Chuck is known for his meticulous attention to detail and his commitment to using only the best grapes and techniques in his winemaking.

Overall, the Caymus legacy is one of excellence and dedication to the craft of winemaking. The Wagner family's commitment to producing exceptional wines has earned them a reputation as one of the best winemaking families in the world.

2019 Vintage Overview

Climate and Harvest

The 2019 vintage in Napa Valley, California was marked by moderate temperatures and consistent weather patterns throughout the growing season. The grapes were able to ripen evenly and develop complex flavors due to the long, sunny days and cool nights. The harvest began in early September and lasted until mid-October. The yields were slightly lower than average, but the quality of the grapes was exceptional.

Winemaking Approach

Caymus Vineyards' winemaker, Chuck Wagner, has a signature style that is dark in color, with rich fruit and ripe, velvety tannins. For the 2019 vintage, he used a combination of new and used French oak barrels to add complexity and structure to the wine. The grapes were hand-picked and carefully sorted to ensure only the highest quality fruit was used. The wine was aged for 18 months in oak barrels before being bottled.

The 2019 Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon is a testament to the exceptional quality of the vintage. It is a full-bodied wine with aromas of blackberry, cassis, and vanilla. On the palate, it is rich and complex with flavors of dark fruit, chocolate, and espresso. The tannins are firm and well-structured, providing a long, lingering finish.

Overall, the 2019 vintage was a great success for Caymus Vineyards. The combination of ideal weather conditions and expert winemaking techniques resulted in a wine that is sure to impress even the most discerning palate.

Tasting Notes

Palate Profile

Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 has a full-bodied palate with a creamy texture and ripe tannins that are well integrated. The wine has a velvety mouthfeel that is smooth and pleasing. The finish is long and persistent, leaving a satisfying aftertaste.

Aroma and Flavor Characteristics

On the nose, the wine exhibits an array of aromas, including black cherry, blackberries, and boysenberry, which are complemented by notes of vanilla, mocha, and cocoa. The wine also has a hint of spice, which adds complexity to the aroma. On the palate, the wine is rich and complex, with flavors of cassis, plum, and black licorice. The wine has a dark fruit profile that is well balanced by the oak and spice flavors. The wine has a creamy texture that is complemented by the ripe tannins, which add structure to the wine.

Overall, Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 is a well-balanced wine with a complex flavor profile. The wine has a velvety mouthfeel and a long, persistent finish, which makes it an excellent choice for pairing with red meat dishes or hearty stews.

Caymus Special Selection

Caymus Special Selection is a premium Cabernet Sauvignon produced by the renowned Caymus Vineyards in Napa Valley, California. This wine is made from the best barrels of Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, hand-selected by the winemaker. The result is a wine that is distinguished by its extremely fine, velvety tannins and enjoyable upon release or with aging.

Special Selection Distinction

Caymus Special Selection is a beautiful wine that stands out from the crowd. It has been consistently recognized as one of the best Cabernet Sauvignons in the world, receiving high scores from wine critics and enthusiasts alike. Wine Spectator has awarded the 2019 vintage with a score of 96 points, describing it as "rich, deep and layered, with a mix of blackberry, currant, plum and cassis notes."

Tasting and Aging Potential

Caymus Special Selection is approachable in youth but also has the potential to age gracefully. It has a deep, dark color and rich fruit flavors with ripe, velvety tannins. This wine is a perfect match for red meat dishes, hearty stews, and strong cheeses. It is recommended to decant the wine for at least an hour before serving to fully appreciate its complexity.

In conclusion, Caymus Special Selection is a premium Cabernet Sauvignon that is highly sought after by wine lovers around the world. Its distinction, approachability, and aging potential make it a must-try for anyone who appreciates a good red wine.

Serving and Pairing

Optimal Serving Conditions

To fully enjoy the Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon 2019, it is recommended to serve it at a temperature of 60-65°F (15-18°C). This temperature range allows the wine to express its full range of flavors and aromas. The wine should be decanted for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow it to breathe and open up.

Food Pairing Suggestions

The Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 is a full-bodied and delicious red wine with a tannic structure and balanced acidity. It pairs well with a variety of dishes, especially steaks and prime rib. The wine's rich and flavorful profile complements the bold flavors of grilled meats and brings out their natural sweetness.

Other food pairing suggestions for the Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 include pork tenderloin, hamburger, hard cheese, and grilled lamb chops. The wine's smooth and velvety texture also makes it a great match for hearty stews and casseroles.

In summary, the Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 is a versatile and delicious red wine that pairs well with a variety of dishes. Its bold flavors and tannic structure make it an excellent match for grilled meats, while its smooth texture makes it a great choice for heartier dishes.

Market and Buying Guide

Price Point and Value

The Caymus Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 is a premium wine with a price point that reflects its quality. According to Wine.com, a bottle of this wine costs around $89.99. However, the cost may vary depending on the retailer, location, and availability.

Despite its high price point, the 2019 Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon offers great value for money. This wine has consistently been awarded high scores by critics and has been named Wine of the Year multiple times. Its rich and complex flavor profile, which includes notes of black cherry, cassis, and sweet oak, makes it a favorite among wine enthusiasts.

Where to Buy

The 2019 Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon is a highly sought-after wine, and it can be challenging to find it in stock. However, there are several reputable retailers where you can purchase this wine.

One option is to buy directly from the Caymus Vineyards website. They offer shipping to most states in the US, and you can also find a list of retailers that carry their wines.

Another option is to check with online wine retailers such as Wine.com and Wine-Searcher. These websites allow you to compare prices from different retailers and find the best deals.

It's important to note that due to the limited availability and high demand for this wine, prices may vary significantly depending on where you buy it. It's always a good idea to compare prices and read reviews before making a purchase to ensure that you're getting the best value for your money.

Comparative Analysis

Caymus vs. Other Napa Cabernets

Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 is a highly sought-after wine from the Napa Valley region of California. It is often compared to other Napa Cabernets, such as Silver Oak and Opus One. While each wine has its own unique characteristics, Caymus stands out for its rich and full-bodied flavor profile.

Compared to other Napa Cabernets, Caymus has a higher percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, which gives it a more tannic and structured taste. It also has a higher alcohol content than many other Napa Cabernets, which contributes to its bold and intense flavor.

New World vs. Old World Styles

Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 is a prime example of a New World wine, as it is produced in California, USA. New World wines are known for their fruit-forward flavor profiles and higher alcohol content, which is a result of the warmer climate and longer growing season.

In contrast, Old World wines, such as those from Bordeaux, France, are known for their more subtle and complex flavor profiles. Old World wines are often described as having a more "earthy" taste, which is a result of the cooler climate and shorter growing season.

While Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 is a New World wine, it still maintains some of the characteristics of an Old World wine. For example, it has a more structured taste and a higher tannin content than many other New World wines.

Overall, Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 is a unique and complex wine that stands out among other Napa Cabernets. Its rich flavor profile and higher alcohol content make it a popular choice among wine enthusiasts.

Consumer Insights

Ratings and Reviews

The Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 has received high ratings from critics and wine enthusiasts alike. According to Wine-Searcher, the average price for a 750ml bottle of this wine is $106. It has an average rating of 91/100 from three critic reviews and an average user rating of 4.5/5 from 39 user ratings.

The wine has been described as a "cult classic" by Natalie MacLean and praised for its signature style of dark color, rich fruit, and velvety tannins. Reviewers have noted flavors of blackberries, blueberries, bing cherries, and ripe plums, making it a great pairing for grilled meats and hard cheeses.

Collector Interest

Caymus Vineyards is a well-known winery in Napa Valley, California, and their Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 is highly sought after by collectors. The wine has been aged in French oak barrels for 18 months, which gives it a complex flavor profile and a long finish.

The 2019 vintage was labeled "40th Anniversary" to celebrate Caymus Vineyards' 40th year of producing wine. This special vintage has garnered even more interest from collectors and wine enthusiasts alike. The wine is expected to age well and increase in value over time, making it a great addition to any wine collection.

Overall, the Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 is a highly rated and sought-after wine that has received praise for its signature style and complex flavor profile. Its collector interest and potential for aging make it a great investment for wine enthusiasts.

Winery Experience

Visiting Caymus Vineyards

Caymus Vineyards is located in the heart of the Rutherford District, Napa Valley. The winery is owned and operated by the Wagner family, who have been producing world-class Cabernet Sauvignon for over 40 years. Visitors to the winery can expect a warm welcome and a memorable experience. The tasting room is open daily, and guests can choose from a variety of tasting options, including a vineyard tour and tasting, a library tasting, and a food and wine pairing experience.

During the vineyard tour and tasting, visitors will have the opportunity to explore the vineyards and learn about the history of the winery. The tour includes a visit to the barrel room, where guests can taste the wine directly from the barrel. The library tasting is a unique experience that allows visitors to taste older vintages of Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon. The food and wine pairing experience is a must-try for foodies, as it features a selection of small bites paired with Caymus wines.

Wine Tasting Events

Caymus Vineyards hosts several wine tasting events throughout the year. The events are a great way to taste the latest releases and mingle with other wine enthusiasts. One of the most popular events is the annual release party, which takes place in the fall. The party celebrates the release of the latest vintage of Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon and features live music, food, and of course, wine.

Another popular event is the spring barrel tasting, where guests can taste the wine directly from the barrel before it is bottled. The event also includes a tour of the winery and a tasting of the current releases. Other events include winemaker dinners, where guests can enjoy a multi-course meal paired with Caymus wines, and educational seminars, where guests can learn about the winemaking process and the history of the winery.

Overall, a visit to Caymus Vineyards is a must for any wine lover. The winery offers a unique and memorable experience, and the wines are some of the best in the world. Visitors can expect to taste bold and rich flavors of boysenberry puree and mocha notes in the 2019 Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon, which is a testament to the expertise of winemaker Charlie Wagner.

Sustainability and Innovation

Caymus Vineyards is committed to sustainability and innovation in their wine-making process. The winery has implemented several sustainable practices to reduce their environmental impact while producing high-quality wines.

One of the ways Caymus Vineyards promotes sustainability is through their farming practices. They farm Cabernet grapes in eight of Napa Valley's 16 sub-appellations, allowing for diversification and the ability to make the best possible wine in a given year. The winery also uses cover crops, compost, and natural pest control methods to promote soil health and biodiversity.

In addition to sustainable farming practices, Caymus Vineyards has also implemented innovative technologies in their winemaking process. For example, they use solar panels to power their winery and have installed water-saving technologies to reduce water usage. The winery also uses a custom-designed bottling line that uses less glass and reduces waste.

Caymus Vineyards' commitment to sustainability and innovation has not gone unnoticed. The winery has received several certifications, including the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance (CSWA) certification and the Napa Green Certified Land certification. These certifications recognize the winery's efforts to reduce their environmental impact and promote sustainability in their wine-making process.

Overall, Caymus Vineyards is dedicated to sustainable and innovative practices in their wine-making process. Their commitment to sustainability has not only reduced their environmental impact but has also led to high-quality wines that are enjoyed by wine enthusiasts around the world.

Caymus in the Wine Community

Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 has been making waves in the wine community since its release. The wine comes from the Caymus Vineyards, which is owned and operated by the Wagner family. The winery is located in Rutherford, a sub-appellation of Napa Valley.

The 2019 vintage has been receiving rave reviews from critics and wine enthusiasts alike. Wine Spectator gave the wine a score of 95 points, describing it as "ripe and juicy, with concentrated dark fruit flavors that are well-structured." The wine has also been praised for its approachability, making it a great choice for those who are new to Cabernet Sauvignon.

The Wagner family has been producing wine in Napa Valley since the 1970s, and they are known for their commitment to quality. They own several wineries in the area, including Caymus Vineyards, Mer Soleil, and Conundrum.

Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 is a testament to the Wagner family's dedication to producing exceptional wines. The wine is made from grapes grown in eight of Napa's 16 sub-appellations, which allows for a diverse range of flavors and aromas.

Overall, Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 is a wine that has captured the attention of the wine community. Its rich flavors, approachability, and commitment to quality have made it a standout choice for Cabernet Sauvignon enthusiasts.