Vineyard Location: Rutherford, CA

Caymus Vineyards was established in 1972 by Charlie and Lorna Wagner and their son, Chuck Wagner. The name is inspired by the area's history, named after a 19th century Mexican land grant called “Rancho Caymus.\" Even though the vineyard didn't open to the public until 1972, the family had been producing wine on their property for several years. In fact, Charlie planted the Pinot Noir, Riesling and Cabernet Sauvignon vines in the 1960s.

Caymus Vineyards was established in 1972 by Charlie and Lorna Wagner and their son, Chuck Wagner. The name is inspired by the area's history, named after a 19th century Mexican land grant called “Rancho Caymus.\" Even though the vineyard didn't open to the public until 1972, the family had been producing wine on their property for several years. In fact, Charlie planted the Pinot Noir, Riesling and Cabernet Sauvignon vines in the 1960s. \n

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The Wagners produced their first vintage in 1972, consisting of 240 cases of Cabernet Sauvignon. Since then, Caymus has focused their efforts in the production of quality Cabernet Sauvignon. Today's production is 65,000 cases. Caymus Wine produces two Cabernets Sauvignons – a “Napa Valley\" and the venerable “Special Selection\". Both Cabernet bottlings have aromas and flavors which can only be achieved through “hang time\" – a technique which chances the loss of crop if early winter sets in. Leaving the fruit to “hang\" on the vine unusually long develops suppleness, increases color, and matures the tannins of the grapes. The wines are abundant in textural tannins yet soft as velvet. Crop thinning, allowing measured sunlight to reach the vine's fruit zone, and waiting for increased ripeness are all part of our viticultural practices. Caymus Cabernets offer a wide array of aromas and flavors including cocoa, cassis and vanilla.

Caymus Special Selection is the flagship of Caymus Wines and is comprised of the very best barrels of the vintage. This wine is not produced in difficult years. Caymus Napa Valley is more representative of a standard Cabernet of Napa Valley, as it is a bit less precocious than the Special Selection, but still delivers big. Caymus prides itself on producing wines that are as approachable in youth as well at maturity.