Caymus Vineyards Collection

The Dawn of an American Wine Legend

Founded in 1972 by Chuck Wagner alongside his parents, Lorna and Charlie Wagner, Caymus Vineyards is one of the foundational pillars of modern Napa Valley viticulture. Settling in Rutherford—the absolute sweet spot of the valley floor—the Wagner family named their estate after the original 19th-century Mexican land grant, Rancho Caymus.

From their very first vintage, the Wagners committed to a singular, uncompromising vision: producing exceptionally rich, deeply concentrated Cabernet Sauvignon that could be enjoyed upon release while still possessing the structural stamina to age beautifully. Over fifty years later, Caymus remains family-owned and operated, standing tall as one of the world's most recognizable, consistently acclaimed, and universally beloved benchmarks for luxury California wine.

 

The Art of "Hangtime" & Rutherford Dust

The signature flavor profile that defines Caymus is born from a combination of prime Rutherford geography and a pioneering viticultural technique known as extended "hangtime."

• Rutherford Dust Terroir: The estate's primary vineyards are rooted in the well-draining, gravelly alluvial soils of the Rutherford bench. This unique soil imparts a fine-grained, cocoa-powder-like tannic texture to the grapes, affectionately known globally as "Rutherford Dust."

• Extended Hangtime: Chuck Wagner pioneered the practice of leaving the fruit on the vines far longer into the autumn season than standard practices dictated. This deliberate gamble allows the grapes to develop fully ripe, supple tannins and safely sheds any green, herbaceous notes. The result is an incredibly plush, opulent berry profile with minimized astringency and an signature velvety mouthfeel.

The Illustrious Portfolio: Decadent Classics & Special Selections

Our curated Caymus collection showcases the very best of the Wagner family's generational craftsmanship:

• Caymus Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon: The absolute flagship of the house. Celebrated for its rich, dark color and intensely aromatic nose, it coats the palate with luxurious layers of crème de cassis, ripe blackberries, sweet Madagascar vanilla, and toasted oak. It is a masterclass in immediate accessibility and seamless silkiness.

• Caymus Special Selection Cabernet Sauvignon: The undisputed crown jewel of the estate. Crafted only from the absolute finest, most distinct barrels of the vintage, it holds the historic distinction of being the only wine ever named "Wine of the Year" twice by Wine Spectator. It is a towering, deeply complex masterpiece bursting with brooding black currents, espresso beans, dark chocolate, and an endless, velvety finish built to gracefully evolve for decades.

• Caymus California Cabernet Sauvignon: A broader expression expanding beyond the Napa border, pulling high-quality fruit from choice California wine regions. It delivers the classic, crowd-pleasing Caymus lushness, supple tannins, and bright fruit-forward character at an incredible value.

• Caymus-Suisun Grand Durif: Venturing just east of Napa into the pastoral Suisun Valley, the Wagners utilize their signature viticultural approach on Petite Sirah (Durif). It is a luxurious, ink-dark powerhouse packed with luxurious dark plums, wild blueberries, and ultra-smooth, integrated tannins.

Epicurean Food Pairings

The luxurious fruit profile, generous texture, and soft, chocolatey tannins of Caymus make it an exceptional match for rich, savory, and caramelized dishes. It pairs phenomenally with:

• The Flagship & Special Selection: Thick-cut, wood-fired prime rib, slow-braised beef short ribs in a red wine reduction, charred New York strip steak with garlic herb butter, or roasted venison loin.

• The Grand Durif & California Cabernet: Smoked barbecue brisket, rosemary-infused rack of lamb, wood-fired wild mushroom pizzas, or aged cheeses like Gouda and sharp blue varieties.

Shop Caymus Vineyards at ZYN

Immerse yourself in the opulent, generational excellence of our Caymus Vineyards collection in-store at ZYN Calgary or buy online at ZYN.ca. Every bottle is carefully cradled in our temperature-controlled cellars with immaculate provenance, ensuring Napa Valley's favorite Cabernet arrives flawlessly at your table.