Caymus Vineyards

Caymus Vineyards is a family-owned winery located in the heart of Napa Valley, California. Founded in 1972 by Charlie Wagner and his wife Lorna, the winery has been producing some of the finest Cabernet Sauvignon in the region for over four decades.

The history of Caymus Vineyards dates back to the early 1900s when Charlie's grandfather, Italian immigrant Salvatore Emmolo, started growing grapes in Rutherford, California. Salvatore's daughter, Charlie's mother, married a man named Chuck Wagner, who continued the family tradition of grape growing. In 1972, Charlie and his father, Chuck, decided to start their own winery and named it after the nearby Caymus Rancho.

Caymus Vineyards is known for its rich, full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon, which is made from grapes grown in the Rutherford AVA. The winery also produces a small amount of Merlot and Zinfandel. The grapes are hand-picked and sorted before being fermented in stainless steel tanks. The wine is then aged in French oak barrels for up to two years before being bottled.

The style of production at Caymus Vineyards is focused on creating wines that are rich and complex, with a balance of fruit and tannins. The winery uses a combination of traditional and modern winemaking techniques to achieve this goal. The grapes are harvested at optimal ripeness, and the wine is fermented using natural yeasts. The wine is then aged in French oak barrels, which impart a subtle vanilla and spice flavor to the wine.

Caymus Vineyards has received numerous accolades over the years, including being named Wine Spectator's Wine of the Year in 1994 for their 1990 Special Selection Cabernet Sauvignon. The winery has also been recognized for its commitment to sustainable farming practices, including the use of cover crops and composting.

Overall, Caymus Vineyards is a must-visit for anyone interested in experiencing the best of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. The winery's rich history, commitment to quality, and dedication to sustainable farming practices make it a standout producer in the region.