Caymus became one of Napa’s top producers due to its Wine of the Year claims for it’s 1984 and 1990 vintages. At the time and to some extent still to this day Caymus’ wines are some of the cheapest wine to ever receive this honor and twice no less. Caymus Vineyard is located on the valley floor near the town of Rutherford in Napa Valley. Charlie and Lorna Wagner along with their son Chuck started Caymus Vineyard in 1971 after Chuck graduated from high school. The first vintage was released in 1972 which only consisted of 240 cases.

We took part in the seated outdoor tasting which surprisingly was not bad even in the month of June when we were there. The property is covered with trees giving a layer of shade, accompanied by umbrellas at the tasting locations which are separated to the point you feel like you are the only ones there. To walk up to the check in station you will walk through a tunnel of vegetation growing around the arbor that wraps the pathway. Once to the check in area we were escorted to our seats which were secluded and shaded making for a wonderful tasting experience.

Once seated for our tasting we were given water as well as our complementary glasses. Our tasting included four wines: Emmolo Sauvignon Blanc, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon and Special Selection Cabernet Sauvignon. By far our favorite of the lot was the Special Selection with notes of meat, dark cherries, black berry, vanilla, slate, and baking spice. A great tannin structure with a solid balance and nice long pronounced finish.