Wine is distinctive in that it seamlessly blends past, present, and future.
Crafted in the past, it matures with time and is ultimately enjoyed in the future—a true time capsule in a bottle. The latest release of the Caymus Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 – its 50th vintage – celebrates 50 years of Napa Valley’s unique climate, rich soils, lush vineyards, and the enduring legacy of Caymus Vineyards. This special release also marks half a century of wine lovers appreciating this iconic wine.
The 2022 vintage is a testament to the harmony of terroir, with every element coming together to showcase the hallmarks of the Caymus style. Filled with aromas of black currants, blackberry, and huckleberry, accented by hints of cedar, toasted vanilla, and espresso, the wine offers a soft, lush palate with a round, balanced character and a luxurious, inviting structure.
Caymus Vineyards’ philosophy is embodied in a simple phrase proudly displayed on every Caymus Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon bottle: “Dedicated to Agriculture.” The Wagners, the family behind Caymus Vineyards, have been committed to farming since the very beginning. Their winemaking journey in California began around the Wagner family kitchen table, where Napa Valley farmers Charlie and Lorna Wagner sat with their son Chuck to discuss the future of their 70-acre farm. Their vision extended beyond just growing grapes; they aspired to launch a commercial wine business, which officially began in 1972.
Today, Chuck Wagner and two of his four children, Charlie and Jenny, continue the family’s legacy, working together to uphold the values that have defined Caymus for five decades. The 50th-anniversary bottle commemorates these strong family values with a new label featuring a photograph of the entire Wagner family.
While Napa Valley remains the heart of Caymus, the winery’s future is expanding to include bright new horizons and regions. A striking new product has been added to the Caymus lineup in time for the winery’s 50th anniversary: the Caymus CALIFORNIA Cabernet Sauvignon. This new wine was created to showcase the diverse terroirs of California, particularly those hidden pockets where Cabernet can excel. Its grapes are sourced from top vineyard parcels with stony soils, south-facing hills, and moderately warm conditions in areas such as Paso Robles, Lake County and San Benito. The dark label, adorned with a golden Cabernet Sauvignon leaf, invites you to experience the vineyards of California through Caymus’s lens. The wine has more gumption but remains true to the ripe, supple, rich style Caymus is known for.
The 2022 Caymus California Cabernet Sauvignon tells the story of winemaking across the state. Leading with dark fruit-forward notes, this wine has a rustic, spiced character marked by peppery undertones, hints of chocolate, and luxurious tannins in the finish. While Napa Valley will always be home, the future of this iconic California winery is about expanding the conversation to include the broader community of California growers and regions—perfectly summarized by a delicious glass of Cabernet Sauvignon.
