A vibrant, velvety purple, the 2019 vintages features scents of supple leather and earthy wood. The nose is layered with notes of ripe blackberries, rose petals and a hint of clove. Extremely fine, smooth tannins envelop the palate right away, held in seamless balance by this wine's oak. Flavors of berry cobbler mingle with leather, a wisp of fresh campfire, blooming flowers, and chocolate-covered raisins. Dark chocolate carries over to the finish alongside bright fruit and a luxurious, delicate texture.
Chuck Wagner founded Caymus Vineyards with his parents in 1972 in Rutherford, California, in the center of Napa Valley. Now Caymus is putting down roots in a neighboring wine region called Suisun Valley. Only a 30-minute drive southeast of Napa, Suisun Valley is less well-known than its more famous neighbor, but shares a similar maritime climate and superb soils. Chuck likes to say that Suisun Valley reminds him of Napa Valley in the 1960s – full of open space, small family farms, meandering waterways lined with native oaks, and exceptional vineyards. Known more for its production of stone fruits, Suisun Valley is increasingly being recognized for its wines.
For the past several years, Chuck has been producing Caymus-Suisun Grand Durif -- Durif is synonymous with Petite Sirah, one of the varietals that thrives in Suisun Valley. The variety, originally known as Durif in the Rhône, took on its more popular moniker after being imported to California in the early 1880s.
