Caymus Cabernet: A Top Choice for Wine Enthusiasts

Caymus Cabernet is a popular wine brand produced by Caymus Vineyards in Napa Valley, California. It is known for its rich and full-bodied taste, with notes of dark fruit, chocolate, and vanilla. The wine is made from Cabernet Sauvignon grapes grown in the vineyards of Napa Valley.

Caymus Vineyards was founded in 1972 by Charlie Wagner and his son Chuck Wagner. Since then, the family-owned winery has been producing high-quality wines, including the Caymus Cabernet. The wine is aged in French oak barrels for 16 months, giving it a smooth and velvety texture.

Caymus Cabernet has received numerous awards and accolades over the years, including a score of 94 points from Wine Spectator. It is considered one of the best Cabernet Sauvignon wines in the world and is a favorite among wine enthusiasts. Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with a hearty meal, Caymus Cabernet is sure to impress with its bold flavor and impeccable quality.

History of Caymus Vineyards

Caymus Vineyards is a family-owned winery located in the heart of Napa Valley, California, that has been producing exceptional wines since 1972. The winery was founded by the Wagner family, who have been farming the current Caymus property to wine grapes since the 1940s.

Founding by the Wagner Family

In 1972, Chuck Wagner, along with his parents, Charlie and Lorna Belle Glos Wagner, established Caymus Vineyards. They converted the family's grove in the Rutherford area of Napa Valley into a 73-acre vineyard and winery. The vineyard was planted to Nathan Fay's clone of Cabernet Sauvignon in the 1960s, and Fay also famously provided grapes to Stag's Leap Wine Cellars.

Evolution of Caymus Cabernet

Caymus Vineyards became one of the first wineries to produce a California Cabernet Sauvignon made from a special selection. Since its first vintage in 1972, Caymus Vineyards has become one of the most important and successful Napa Cabernet houses, with a track record for exceptional wines.

Over the course of half a century, Caymus Cabernet has evolved. The winery's flagship wine, the Caymus Special Selection Cabernet Sauvignon, has consistently received high ratings from wine critics and has become a benchmark for Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. Today, Caymus Vineyards produces a range of wines, including the Caymus Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, the Caymus Special Selection Cabernet Sauvignon, and the Belle Glos Pinot Noir.

Overall, the history of Caymus Vineyards is a testament to the Wagner family's commitment to producing exceptional wines that reflect the unique terroir of Napa Valley.

Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon Overview

Caymus Special Selection

Caymus Special Selection is a highly regarded wine produced by Caymus Vineyards, a prominent winery in Napa Valley, California. This wine is known for its exceptional quality and is often considered the flagship offering of the winery. It is crafted from the finest Cabernet Sauvignon grapes and is meticulously aged to achieve a rich, complex flavor profile. The Caymus Special Selection is celebrated for its opulent fruit, velvety texture, and impressive aging potential.

Caymus Napa Valley Cabernet

Caymus Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is another esteemed wine from Caymus Vineyards, renowned for its consistent excellence and distinct Napa Valley character. This Cabernet Sauvignon is recognized for its deep, dark fruit flavors, balanced by well-integrated tannins, and a smooth, lingering finish. It reflects the unique terroir of the Napa Valley region and showcases the winery's dedication to producing exceptional wines that capture the essence of the land.

These wines exemplify Caymus Vineyards' commitment to crafting outstanding Cabernet Sauvignon offerings that resonate with wine enthusiasts seeking premium quality and distinctive expressions of the varietal.

Viticulture and Winemaking

Grape Growing in Rutherford

Caymus Cabernet is known for its exceptional quality and taste, and this is due in large part to the grape growing techniques used in Rutherford, where the winery is located. Rutherford is known for its ideal climate and soil conditions, which create the perfect environment for growing Cabernet grapes.

The grapes used in Caymus Cabernet are grown on the estate's 180 acres of vineyards, which are meticulously tended to by the winemakers. The soil in Rutherford is composed of gravelly loam, which allows for excellent drainage and provides the perfect balance of nutrients for the vines. The winemakers also use sustainable farming practices to ensure that the grapes are grown in a way that is environmentally friendly and sustainable.

Innovation and Techniques

Caymus Cabernet is known for its innovative winemaking techniques, which have been developed over the years to create a wine that is truly unique. The winemakers use a combination of traditional and modern techniques to create a wine that is both classic and contemporary.

One of the key techniques used in the winemaking process is barrel aging. The wine is aged in new French oak barrels for 16 months, which imparts a rich, complex flavor to the wine. The winemakers also use a technique known as "dipping the cap," which involves manually pushing the grape skins down into the fermenting wine to extract maximum flavor and color.

Overall, the winemakers at Caymus Vineyards are committed to creating a wine that is of the highest quality and is a true representation of the Rutherford region. Through their innovative techniques and sustainable farming practices, they are able to create a wine that is both delicious and environmentally friendly.

Tasting Profile of Caymus Cabernet

Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon is a premium wine that is known for its rich and complex flavors. It has a deep ruby color and a full-bodied taste that is both bold and elegant.

Aromas and Flavors

The wine has a complex aroma that combines the scents of cocoa, oak, vanilla, and cassis. It also has a rich flavor that is dominated by black fruit, chocolate, and a hint of spice. The wine has a long finish that leaves a pleasant aftertaste.

Tannic Structure and Acidity

The tannic structure of the wine is firm, but not overpowering. The tannins are well-integrated and provide a smooth and velvety texture. The acidity of the wine is well-balanced, providing a refreshing and crisp taste.

Overall, Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon is a wine that is perfect for those who enjoy a full-bodied and complex taste. It is a wine that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a variety of foods, such as grilled meats, roasted vegetables, and rich cheeses.

Caymus Cabernet in the Market

Wine-Searcher and Wine Spectator Ratings

Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the most popular Napa Valley wines in the market. According to Wine-Searcher, the average price for a bottle of Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon is around $100, which makes it a premium wine. Wine Spectator has consistently rated Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon highly, with the 2020 vintage receiving a score of 92 points.

Collectibility and Aging Potential

Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon is a collectible red wine that can age for several years. The wine has a reputation for being approachable in its youth, but also having the potential to age gracefully. The 2020 vintage is expected to have a drinking window of 2023-2035, according to Wine Spectator.

Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon has a strong following among collectors and wine enthusiasts. The wine's reputation for quality and consistency has made it a sought-after wine in the market. The wine's collectibility and aging potential have also contributed to its popularity among collectors.

Overall, Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon is a premium wine that is highly regarded in the market. Its high ratings by Wine-Searcher and Wine Spectator, as well as its collectibility and aging potential, have contributed to its popularity among wine enthusiasts and collectors alike.

Regional Influence on Caymus Cabernet

Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon is a Napa Valley wine that is highly acclaimed for its rich, velvety texture and fruit-forward flavor profile. The wine's quality and taste are due in part to the region's unique terroir and the influence of its sub-appellations.

Napa Valley and Its Sub-AVAs

Napa Valley is located in California and is known for its premium wines, particularly its Cabernet Sauvignon. The region has a Mediterranean climate and is characterized by long, warm summers and cool, wet winters. The valley is home to 16 sub-appellations, each with its own unique microclimate, soil type, and topography.

Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend of grapes sourced from different parts of Napa Valley, including the Rutherford, St. Helena, and Oakville sub-appellations. Each of these sub-appellations has a distinct influence on the wine's flavor profile.

Influence of Howell Mountain and Stags Leap District

Two sub-appellations that have a significant influence on Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon are Howell Mountain and Stags Leap District. Howell Mountain is located in the eastern part of Napa Valley and is known for its high elevation, volcanic soil, and cooler temperatures. The grapes grown here have thicker skins and produce wines with intense tannins and flavors of dark fruit, chocolate, and espresso.

Stags Leap District is located in the southern part of Napa Valley and is known for its unique soil type, which is a combination of volcanic ash and alluvial deposits. The grapes grown here produce wines with a distinct flavor profile that includes notes of black cherry, cassis, and black pepper.

Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon benefits from the unique characteristics of these sub-appellations, which contribute to the wine's complexity and depth of flavor. The wine's rich texture and fruit-forward profile are a testament to the quality of the grapes grown in Napa Valley's environs.

Pairing and Serving Suggestions

Food Pairing

Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon is a rich and round wine with supple tannins and nuances of dark fruit. It pairs well with a variety of foods, especially those with bold flavors and hearty textures. Here are some food pairing suggestions to enhance your experience:

  • Grilled or roasted meats, such as steak, lamb chops, or pork tenderloin, bring out the wine's full-bodied character and complement its tannic structure.
  • Strong cheeses, such as aged cheddar or blue cheese, provide a nice contrast to the wine's fruitiness and enhance its complexity.
  • Dark chocolate or other desserts with rich, sweet flavors can balance the wine's tannins and bring out its fruit notes.

Decanting and Serving Temperature

To fully enjoy the flavors and aromas of Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon, it is recommended to decant the wine before serving. This allows the wine to breathe and release any sediment that may have formed during aging. A decanter with a wide base and narrow neck is ideal for this purpose.

The optimal serving temperature for Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon is between 60-65°F (15.5-18°C). This temperature range allows the wine's flavors and aromas to fully develop without being overwhelmed by the alcohol. It is recommended to store the wine at room temperature and chill it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before serving.

Understanding Wine Terminology

Wine is a complex and nuanced beverage with a rich history and culture. Understanding the language of wine is essential for appreciating its many flavors and aromas. Here are a few key terms to help you navigate the world of wine.

Bordeaux, Burgundy, and Beyond

Bordeaux and Burgundy are two of the most famous wine regions in France, and indeed the world. Bordeaux wines are typically made from a blend of grapes, while Burgundy wines are made from a single grape variety. Other famous wine regions include the Rhone Valley, Champagne, and Alsace.

Pronunciation Guide for Wine Lovers

Wine terminology can be difficult to pronounce, especially for those new to the world of wine. Here is a quick guide to some common wine terms:

  • Cabernet Sauvignon: kah-burr-NAY so-veen-YAWN
  • Merlot: mur-LOH
  • Pinot Noir: pee-noh NWAHR
  • Chardonnay: shar-doh-NAY
  • Sauvignon Blanc: so-veen-YAWN blahnk
  • Syrah: see-RAH
  • Riesling: REESE-ling
  • Malbec: mahl-BECK
  • Zinfandel: ZIN-fan-dell

By familiarizing yourself with these terms, you can confidently order wine at a restaurant or discuss your favorite bottle with friends.

Caymus and the Judgement of Paris

Caymus Vineyards is a family-owned winery in Napa Valley that has been producing high-quality wines for over 50 years. One of their most famous wines is the Caymus Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine has become a benchmark for Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and has received numerous accolades over the years.

One of the most significant events in the history of Napa Valley wine was the Judgment of Paris in 1976. This was a blind tasting competition that pitted top French wines against up-and-coming California wines. The judges were all French wine experts, and the expectation was that the French wines would win easily. However, to everyone's surprise, two California wines, including the Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon, beat out the French wines in the red wine category.

The success of the Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon helped put Napa Valley on the map as a world-class wine region. However, it was the Caymus Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon that was the top-scoring California wine in the competition. While it did not win the top prize, it was still a significant achievement for the winery and helped establish their reputation as a top producer of Cabernet Sauvignon in Napa Valley.

Today, the Caymus Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon continues to be a highly sought-after wine. It is known for its rich fruit flavors, ripe tannins, and dark color. The wine is approachable in its youth but can also age gracefully for many years. It is a testament to the skill and dedication of the Wagner family, who have been producing wine in Napa Valley for generations.