The Wagner Family has a long lineage of grape growing in Napa Valley dating back to the 1850’s. During the 1960’s Charlie and Lorna Wagner had been selling grapes from their Rutherford property to Inglenook Winery and others while making their own home wine. In 1972, encouraged by their son Chuck, they formed a partnership to establish their own winery, launching the Caymus Vineyards label using fruit sourced from their own estate. In 1975, this father and son duo designated a few select barrels of Cabernet Sauvignon for their “Special Selection” bottling. Their achievements would be etched in the history books as the 1984 Caymus Special Selection Cabernet Sauvignon along with the 1990 Caymus Special Selection would receive distinguished awards as Wine of the Year from the Wine Spectator.

This 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from the Wagner family is a luxurious bottling from their best barrels of the 2019 vintage. This wine is nearly opaque in appearance etched with glistening ruby edges. Upon opening, there are exotic aromas of wild orchard fruits and garden flowers that evolve in the glass over minutes. The expansive mid palate has a creamy approach unveiling ripened black plums, boysenberry, and blackberry preserves intertwined with notes of melted milk chocolate, baking spices and freshly cut cedar. It caresses the palate with an underlying lush concentration, yet keeps its balance throughout the lengthy finish. The fine craftsmanship behind this wine is obvious as the wine is immediately appealing but destined to evolve with aging.

By W Peter Hoyne