Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the most popular wines on the market today. What makes it so special? It could be due to its origin in California, where Cabernet Sauvignon grapes can grow best. Or it might have something to do with a few talented winemakers who know how to make this wine unique. Or all together?
Napa Valley – Birthplace of Great Wine
California has more wineries than any region of the same size in America. Napa Valley, a very small region in California, is well-known for yielding some of the finest wines America has to offer. Napa Valley’s ideal microclimates and large temperature difference between day and night, or diurnal range, helps grapes produce flavorful juice and plenty of sugars. Moreover, it is important to note the variety of different soil types. There are approximately 100 types of soils, ranging from volcanic to clay-rich.
Cabernet Grapes
Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon is the king of wines. This powerful grape, one of the world’s most popular varieties, grows worldwide and has a vast reach on international markets. Cabernet Sauvignon provides drinkers an unforgettable experience due to its complexity and natural aging process. Invariably full-bodied and often high in tannins, this wine has potential for centuries without deteriorating in taste or structure.
Caymus Vineyard is one of the most prolific producers of world-renowned Cabernet Sauvignon. To understand their success, we must go back in time and see what led them here.
History of Caymus Vineyard
Chuck Wagner and his late parents, Lorna and Charlie, a family of hardworking farmers, settled in Napa Valley during the 1850s. The Wagner Family founded the Caymus Napa Valley in 1972. They used new methods to produce good-quality Napa Valley cabernet grapes and wines while working alongside the soil conditions and climatic changes associated with this area.
They found the best small plots for their Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon and wanted to ensure it was perfect. However, they tried Pinot Noir and Chenin Blanc in these areas too. They used some of the most innovative practices possible to produce something greater than anything else out there. They always put vineyard care first, recognizing that winemakers cannot make good wine without good vines.
Groundbreaking Techniques
Their winemakers, Chuck, Charlie, and Jenny, spend every day searching for new ways to make incredible wine. One way they do this is by lowering crop yields, which creates intense flavors often sought out in wines worldwide.
But it’s their signature “hang time” technique that has helped Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon take home so many prizes. The grapes are left unusually long on the vine – even risking them in the event of early winter. This technique helps to increase color, thanks to ripe dark berries and mature tannins in the wine, and develop deep-seated and rich fruit aromas, textures, and complexity. Wines from other wineries or warm countries such as South Africa or South Australia can’t match wines from Caymus Napa Valley.
On the other hand, Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon blends wines from eight different very desirable sites of Napa’s 16 sub-appellations. This gives an immense amount of depth and intricacy to the wine.
One additional and significant attribute of Caymus Vineyards is that it proves Napa Valley’s floor can also grow excellent wine because it blends mountain and valley grapes. Their secret could be diversification, adding another facet and layered lush aromas to its rich character.
Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon Characteristics
This wine sits atop its class with its signature deep red color, garnet with a tawny hue, coming out with years of maturation.
Initial impressions of this wine were mesmerizingly enticing; the aroma was magnificent and showed a classically structured body and maturity. After spending time in French oak barrels, it reveals a certain complexity, which gave off brooding yet powerful bouquets of notes such as blackberry jam, cassis, and vanilla with an earthy espresso scent.
The wine has a rich and strong flavor, thanks to increased ripeness. It provides an explosive blast of cherry from the first sip while displaying delicate undertones of cocoa, cedar, and leather. They all come together perfectly with an earthy end note and ripe berries scent at the end of the extended finish.
While this wine has plenty of rich, mellow tannins that guarantee a velvety texture, it also provides some zesty fruit flavors and a little fresh acidity. Vanilla flavors and a delicate hint of licorice give this wine complexity and make it rewarding for those who appreciate fine wines with complex flavors. Notes of cocoa and plum at the end will linger pleasantly on your tongue before you swallow. And though there are plenty of strong flavors to savor and its firm structure, this wine has an elegant sense of balance.
Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon Pairing Notes
While it is delicious on its own, it pairs well with heavier meats for dinner. It requires proteins to help break down the textural tannins, so rich cuts of meat are ideal! A filet mignon, ribeye, or prime rib is a good match. But don’t pass up this opportunity; you’ll be surprised how good ripe tannins and dark chocolate taste together!
Every vintage has been exquisite and new world luxurious. They are always highly rated by leading organizations from the United Kingdom to New Zealand, including Wine Spectator, among the many related products of the same prize. If you’re looking for a big proprietary red to add to your collection and impress your guests, Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon is, without a doubt, an excellent choice.