In 1972, the Wagner family, Charles, Lorna, and their son, Chuck – who became winemaker in 1984 – founded Caymus Vineyards. The Wagners took the name “Caymus” from the Mexican land grant known as “Rancho Caymus,” given to George Yount in 1836, which encompassed what eventually became the town of Rutherford, California, and much of the surrounding area.
Specializing in Cabernet Sauvignon, the Wagner’s first vintage produced 240 cases. Today, they produce 65,000 cases annually from about 350 acres of Napa Valley farmland. Caymus Vineyards headlines two varieties of Cabernet Sauvignon: the “Napa Valley”; and the “Special Selection,” which is made from outstanding Cabernet lots of a particular vintage and is aged in favored French barrels for 16 months. The “Special Selection” is the only wine to have twice been named Wine Spectator magazine’s “Wine of the Year’ for the 1984 and 1990 vintages.
Both of the above Cabernet bottlings exhibit aromas and flavors that are the result of what is termed “hang time.” This is a technique that permits the fruit to “hang” on the vine for an extended period of time, which, in turn, develops suppleness, increases color, and matures the grape tannins. These are wines for which Caymus is rightly famous: fruit forward vintages that are incredibly full bodied yet are as smooth as silk on the palate. Indeed, Caymus prides itself on producing wines that are as approachable in youth as they are in maturity.
In honor of 40 years of winemaking, the Wagners recently released their special 2012 Caymus “40th Anniversary” Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon… And if you’re a diehard Cabernet fan, this is definitely the one to buy, as the wine truly epitomizes the incredible depth and breadth of this family’s life’s work. Like all Caymus’ Cabernets, it’s a tour de force: deep ruby color, intense spicy & exotic aromas, and beguilingly rich, velvety, voluptuous, and perfectly balanced on the palate. This is an amazing wine that is totally approachable and enjoyable at the present moment and will be even better after 5-10 years in the cellar.
Needless to say, wine of this caliber is not inexpensive. The suggested retail price is supposedly $85.00 for a 750 ml bottle. I say “supposedly,” as I doubt that anyone except a complete nebbish would actually shell out that amount of long green without checking other possible sources. The average price paid appears to be around the $60.00 mark. On the other hand, Total Wine has listed it as $54.99 per bottle.
The 2012 Caymus “40th Anniversary” Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a fabulous wine that is perfect for that special occasion and would undoubtedly make the ideal libationary companion for your upcoming Valentine’s Day celebration, as well as a welcome addition to your wine cellar, however modest or expansive it may be.
Just be advised… since wine guru Robert Parker bestowed a whopping 96 points (out of 100) on this seductive little beauty, it has become increasingly difficult to find; “Out of Stock” appears to be the all too familiar story. Online and Total Wine are undoubtedly your best bets. Regardless of your buying strategy, however, you’d best get a move on.
Cheers!
TAD
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