One of the iconic wineries in Napa, Caymus built a name for themselves by crafting some stunning Cabernet wines for decades. They have a very hedonistic style of wine that might not appeal to everyone. I absolutely was enchanted by the quality of their top wines.
Back in 1972, Chuck Wagner started Caymus Vineyards with his parents, Charlie and Lorna, and created incredible success with their wines. Caymus Cabernet is sourced from 8 of Napa Valley's 16 appellations and the Caymus ‘Special Selection’ is the only wine in the world to be honored twice as Wine Spectator magazine's “Wine of the Year” for the 1984 and 1990 vintages.
Caymus and their Wagner Family of Wines produces everything from Chardonnay to Sauvignon Blanc. For those who do not enjoy huge extraction in their wines, kindly glance away. Like last years release, the 2019 Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 93) which is dense and chewy with wonderful length. I adored the 2019. Emmolo Merlot (OB, 92) which has really good range and intensity. One of the outstanding wines out of Napa, the 2016 Caymus ‘Special Selection’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 95) is massive and beautifully structured Cabernet that will cellar for another twenty years. Learn more about these outstanding new wines at https://www.caymus.com Here are the beautiful new release wines by Caymus Vineyards.
MV Red Schooner Voyage 9- This delicious red wine made by Caymus Vineyards is created from high elevation Malbec grapes from Mendoza. Inky once in the glass, this delivers plenty of black and blue fruits with bright acidity and lighter cocoa powder flavors. Not for the weary, the Voyage 9 is already drinking beautifully right now. Drink 2021-2029- 93
2019 Emmolo Merlot- The 2019 Emmolo Merlot is named after Jenny Wagner’s mother, Cheryl Emmolo. Full-bodied, and showing good verve, the Emmolo Merlot shows off black tea, tomato leaf and rich dark currant flavors with black cherry compote on the palate. Delightful in its youth, this has another ten to fifteen years to go. Drink 2021-2033- 92
2018 Caymus-Suisun ‘Grand Durif’ Petit Sirah- The 2018 ‘Grand Durif’ is crafted from Petite Sirah grapes sourced the Suisun Valley, not far from Napa. The palate is plush with a silky texture. Black tea and exotic spices combine with blueberry cordial and Turkish coffee tones on the palate. This is drinking beautifully now and has another decade ormolu to go in the cellar. Drink 2021-2031- 93
2019 Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2019 Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon is sourced from eight of Napa’s sub-appelations. Aromatically quite intense, this revels in its massive core of blackberry cordial, mocha, tar, black licorice and creme de cassis aromas that all meld in the glass. The palate is plush with a sensational sense of texture. Layers of dense dark and blue fruits mingle with minerals and salty undertones. Drink 2021-2031- 93
2016 Caymus ‘Special Selection’ Cabernet Sauvignon-This is now the second time in the year that I have had the chance to taste this beautiful wine. The 2016 ‘Special Selection’ is a massively dense wine that is truly starting to sing in its highest octave now at the five year mark. Once on the nose this shows decadent blueberry cordial tones alongside dried herbs, black currants and shades of chocolate covered black raspberry.The palate is intense and rich with a soft mouthfeel. Incredible to savor now, this has at least another fifteen years to go in the cellar. Drink 2021-2035- 95