As one of the most sought-after names in Cabernet Sauvignon, Caymus Vineyards is an enduring benchmark of California excellence and a critics' favorite. This prominent stance in Napa Valley is solidified with the family estate’s long history in the region with roots tracing back to the 1850s and winemaking traditions that have been passed down through generations.
Caymus Vineyards History - The Wagner Family Legacy
Caymus Vineyards’ Wagner family is deeply intertwined with Napa Valley's history and winemaking tradition. In 1906, Carl Wagner first planted grapes in Rutherford, setting the stage for a legacy that would span generations. His son, Charlie Wagner, born on the family farm in 1912, married high school sweetheart, Lorna Belle Glos, in 1934, uniting two lineages each of a rich winemaking heritage. Together, they purchased land in Rutherford, where Charlie planted Pinot Noir, “Johannisberg” Riesling (a previous nomenclature for Riesling), and, most importantly, Cabernet Sauvignon, laying the foundation for what would become Caymus Vineyards.
Caymus Vineyards was officially established in 1972 by Charlie and Lorna, along with their son, Chuck Wagner. The family estate quickly developed a reputation for its dense and expressive Cabernet Sauvignon, winning awards and critical acclaim over the decades. Their prestige continues today with Chuck maintaining the high standards that have always kept Caymus wines at a premium quality level.
Caymus Wines Invigorate the Sleepy Town of Napa Valley
When Chuck Wagner and his parents started their small estate in the early 1970s, Napa Valley had yet to explode into the wine mecca it is currently known as. Resort getaways, fine restaurants, and millions of visitors were foreign to the region, allowing Caymus to carve a small niche in the market and slowly grow its following. The Wagners released only 250 cases at $4.50 a bottle for their first vintage in 1973. Shortly after, the estate gained prominence within Northern California after a local newsletter, Finigan's Private Guide To Wines, praised the 1973 Cabernet, leading to new customers inquiring about the wine.
After a relatively quiet first 15 years in business, Caymus wines exploded onto the international scene after its recognition by The Wine Spectator. Two Caymus vintages were later named Wine of the Year by the publication in 1989 and 1994 for the '84 and '90 vintages, respectively. Such an honor helped make Caymus a global phenomenon, going toe-to-toe with any fine wine in the world. Coinciding at the perfect time when Napa cult wineries were rising in prominence, Caymus Vineyard wines would move to the next step in cementing their legacy - the creation of the Special Selection bottling.
Caymus Special Selection Wines
Not to be confused as a second wine, Caymus Special Selection wines are one of the estate's two primary labels, the other being the Napa Valley bottle. Released with only 25,000 to 30,000 bottles each vintage as compared to the vast 300,000 for the Napa Valley label, Caymus Special Selections are meticulously crafted to represent the "best wine produced in the vintage," per Chuck Wagner. The grapes are selected from multiple Caymus vineyards around the region, then are vinified and fermented before being blind tasted by top management at Caymus.
Though Caymus Napa Valley bottles are marketed to the wineries' primary clientele and based around the brand's image, the Special Selection has grown to the same stature as its sister label. Consistently scoring in the high 90s from critics like Robert Parker and publications like The Wine Spectator, the Special Selection offers a unique taste to wine enthusiasts, allowing Caymus to diversify its following and illustrate its versatility.
2012 Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon - 40th Anniversary Bottle
The 2012 40th Anniversary bottling is a Special Release Cabernet Sauvignon that has earned high praise from critics. Robert Parker praised its “dense purple/black color…copious quantities of crème de cassis and blackberry fruit, silky tannins, a voluptuous texture,” describing it as "spectacular…a fabulous example of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon as well as a tribute to this amazing family."
This celebratory release embodies the essence of Napa Valley and the Wagner family's reputation. The 2012 vintage was a stellar year in Napa Valley, which translates to depth and complexity in the wine, especially now with over a decade of time in bottle. The wine’s lavish mouthfeel, dark blackcurrant notes, and supple tannic structure are all hallmarks of the Caymus style, which has only evolved to become more enchanting with age.
