20 Facts about Caymus Wines

 

  1. Founding Year: Caymus Vineyards was founded in 1972 by Charlie Wagner Sr., his wife Lorna Belle Glos Wagner, and their son Chuck Wagner. Imagine enjoying a glass of wine from a family that has been crafting exceptional vintages for over 50 years!
  2. Special Selection: Caymus Special Selection Cabernet Sauvignon is the only wine in the world to have twice earned Wine Spectator’s "Wine of the Year" award, in 1989 and 1995. This accolade makes every sip a taste of history.
  3. Family Tradition: The Wagner family has been farming in Napa Valley since the 1850s, making Caymus a true legacy wine. Drinking Caymus is like taking a trip through Napa Valley’s rich winemaking history.
  4. Name Origin: Caymus is named after a Mexican land grant that once included the Wagner family’s land. It’s a tribute to the region’s deep-rooted heritage.
  5. Walking Fool: Charles Glos, Lorna’s grandfather, was affectionately nicknamed “The Walking Fool” because he would walk miles to work at local wineries. His dedication is a testament to the family's enduring commitment to winemaking.
  6. Chip Bud Technique: Lorna’s father, Charlie Glos, invented the "chip bud" technique, revolutionizing vineyard grafting worldwide. This innovation ensures every vine is rooted in the best tradition.
  7. Prohibition Resilience: Despite Prohibition nearly wiping out their winemaking efforts, the Wagner family’s resilience led to the creation of Caymus. Their perseverance is evident in every bottle.
  8. Homegrown Grapes: Initially, the Wagners sold their grapes to other wineries, but they realized they could make superior wines themselves. This bold move marked the birth of Caymus wines.
  9. Cabernet Sauvignon: Caymus is renowned for its rich and complex Cabernet Sauvignons. A glass of Caymus Cab is like indulging in the essence of Napa Valley’s finest terroir.
  10. Bonanza: Chuck Wagner introduced Bonanza, a California-appellation Cabernet Sauvignon, celebrating vineyard land across the state. It's a nod to discovering new wine adventures.
  11. Conundrum: Inspired by his father’s blending experiments at the dinner table, Chuck created Conundrum, a unique blended white wine. It's perfect for those who love exploring diverse flavor profiles.
  12. Mer Soleil: Charlie Wagner produces coastal Mer Soleil Chardonnays, which reflect the dramatic growing conditions of Santa Lucia Highlands. These Chardonnays offer a coastal breeze in every sip.
  13. Emmolo Wines: Named after the maternal side of the family, Emmolo wines, crafted by Jenny Wagner, offer fresh takes on Sauvignon Blanc and Merlot. They are ideal for those seeking unexpected and delightful wine experiences.
  14. Sea Sun: Charlie also produces Sea Sun Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, showcasing regions like Monterey and Santa Barbara. Each bottle captures the essence of California's diverse climates.
  15. Red Schooner: This Malbec is made from grapes grown in Argentina's Andes Mountains, then shipped chilled to Caymus. It’s a wine journey that starts in South America and ends in your glass.
  16. Generational Craft: The Wagner family involves multiple generations in their winemaking process, ensuring a blend of tradition and innovation. Sharing a bottle with family and friends continues this legacy.
  17. Vineyard Sustainability: The Wagners are committed to sustainable farming, making their wines not only delicious but also environmentally friendly.
  18. Wine Dinners: Caymus wine dinners often feature vertical tastings, allowing guests to explore different vintages side by side. It's a unique experience for any wine enthusiast.
  19. Family Lore: At family gatherings, Chuck’s dad, Charlie, used to blend different wines at the table to find the perfect pairing. This tradition inspired the creative spirit behind many of their wines.
  20. Award-Winning Legacy: With numerous accolades and a storied history, Caymus wines are celebrated worldwide. Attending a Caymus wine dinner offers a chance to savor wines that have captivated critics and connoisseurs alike.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

How Is Bourbon Different From Whiskey?

Image
  Whiskey is made all across the world, and across America, too, but here’s the headline when it comes to bourbon:   Bourbon is a type of American whiskey, made with at least 51% corn. Remember that, and everything else falls into place. *Bourbon drinkers are fond of saying, All bourbon is whiskey, but not all whiskey is bourbon. *Bourbon is America’s take on whiskey that came over with the original colonists and immigrants from Europe. *People arriving in America brought their distilling traditions with them and adapted them to the grains and materials at hand to create a new kind of whiskey. Corn thrived in the U.S. more than rye and barley, so the colonists and early immigrants pivoted toward it as a base for their whiskies. *Whiskey is a broader category, and the grains will vary depending on the type of whiskey. For example,   Scotch whiskey is made from malted (germinated) barley, while American rye whiskey contains at least 51% rye grain. (Rye made elsewhere may vary, but should
Read more

Stir or Shake?

Image
We all like to watch Matt, Prime’s Bartender do his “shaker thing” with our Award-Winning cocktails. But did you know there are a few guidelines as to when and why some  of your favorite drinks are either shaken or stirred. This edition of Felix’s facts spells it all out for you! Some people shake when they should stir, or stir when their cocktail needs to be shaken. The difference changes the entire texture and mouthfeel of the drink.   The general rule is that if there's something other than alcohol in the drink, you shake it. When to shake: Shake cocktails containing citrus or other juices, as well as those with cream, eggs, or dairy (our Drink your Desserts are an exception, as well as the ever popular Espresso Martinis to “the stir dairy” rule) How to shake: Forget about fancy techniques. A basic, straightforward shake is all you need to chill, aerate, and dilute a drink. One sign of a well-shaken cocktail is a frothy edge in cream or egg-based drinks, or a fine blanket of ice
Read more

Types of Beers

Image
  In case some of us here at Sky Meadow want to venture away from the Fritos and Cosmos we all love, and try a beer, I’ve put together a guide for all of us so we can make the best choices we’ll enjoy! Venturing into the world of beer reveals a delightful spectrum of styles, each with unique history, flavor profile, and brewing process. Among the most renowned are lagers, pilsners, stouts, porters, ales, and wheat beers. Understanding these styles enhances appreciation and enriches the tasting experience. Lagers and Pilsners Lagers use bottom-fermenting yeast at cooler temperatures (45-55°F), resulting in a clean, crisp taste with a smooth finish. Examples include Budweiser and Coors Light. Pilsners, a type of pale lager from Pilsen in the Czech Republic, are known for their golden color and distinct hop bitterness, exemplified by Pilsner Urquell and Stella Artois. Ales Ales use top-fermenting yeast at warmer temperatures (60-72°F), leading to a quicker fermentation and more complex fl
Read more