Caymus-Suisun : The Wagner family expands the Caymus brand with a new winery in the Suisun Valley
Caymus-Suisun Winery
Back to Roots and Branching Out
50 years ago, the Wagner family founded Caymus Vineyards winery based in Rutherford, Napa, California that has developed in to the wine scene mogul we know today. In 1972, only 240 cases of Cabernet Sauvignon launched the beginning of Caymus’ worldwide popularity and the demand for the luscious, round and rich profile of their highly sought-after wines. As Caymus’ success broadened so did their portfolio, expanding to other labels under the Caymus umbrella such as Conundrum, Mer Soleil, Emmolo, Red Schooner, Bonanza, and Sea Sun. Most recently, the Wagners have launched an exciting new wine label, titled Caymus-Suisun, by carefully cultivating and farming high-quality grapes in the picturesque region of Suisun.
“Suisun Valley reminds me a lot of the early days of Caymus in the 1970’s. It’s something very special that is thrilling to be part of. Anyone who knows me has heard my enthusiasm for Suisun Valley, and it only seems to increase by the day.”
The Wagner Family - An endearing history
Johannas Glos, was the first farmer of the Wagner family that settled in California in 1881 and laid the groundwork for the continuous agricultural family line that would span across future generations. “The Walking Fool” red wine blend produced by the Caymus-Suisun winery is an homage to Glos, and named in his honour. (Review below)
Chuck Wagner opened Caymus winery in 1972 at the age of 19 with his parents Lorna and Charlie Sr., who would work together for decades on their commercial winery. Chuck endearingly refers to this time as “the precious history of my life.” While Charlie Sr.’s ancesters were settling in to farm land in 1881, Lorna Belle Glos Wagner’s family was also settling in Napa. Lorna and Charlie Sr. grew up within a mile of each other in Rutherford, Napa Valley and eventually, would live and work together for over 50 years.
Today, the winery is still family-owned by Chuck and his children Charlie and Jenny Wagner who carry on their family legacy in winemaking and farming for the family business.
Suisun Valley AVA
A wine region ideal for those looking for a laid back, agricultural wine route that includes farm stands and tiny, family-owned wineries. It has a maritime climate with influence from San Francisco Bay and San Pablo Bay.
Suisun Valley became an AVA in 1982, yet still remains fairly undiscovered. Just outside of Napa, and at one tenth of the size, the Wagner family is excited to explore and farm these lands to it’s full potential along with the rest of the farmers from the up-and-coming region that are bringing true viticulture here to fruition.
“I love spending my days checking on vineyards, stopping at a farm stand, or running into one of the growers and vintners we’ve gotten to know. We’re farmers first, and we see endless potential here in Suisun.”
Caymus-Suisun Wines
Caymus-Suisun vineyards
The first wine of the new winery - Durif a.k.a. Petite Sirah. A grape that grows quite well in Suisun, and with it’s dark, inky and robust profile they aptly named this one Grand Durif. “The Walking Fool” bottle, crafted by Jenny Wagner, blends Petite Sirah with Zinfandel, another grape that flourishes under the warm sun and within the Suisun soils. The blend for this wine crafts a fresh, fruity style with broad, soft tannins and a hefty structure. While Rhone varietals have much claim to fame in this AVA, Caymus-Suisun has crafted a “Bay Rose” from Grenache.
The wines of Caymus-Suisun of course share similarities to the wines of their home brand - unwavering building blocks as a staple of California wine, but they are also reflective of the region from which they’re farmed. They’re certainly an exciting introduction of the budding Suisun Valley and the new Caymus-Suisun winery.
“if it was going to bear the Caymus name, it had to be great.”
Caymus - Suisun Grand Durif 2021
A beloved grape of the Suisun Valley AVA - Petite Syrah, finds optimal growing conditions in the warm climate for it’s dark, rich style. These grapes see extended hang time for a fully ripe style before it’s encased in French oak. A nose of licorice and cloves. Ripe tannins provide sturdy framework for a powerful, and peppery entrance that preludes rich, crushed blackberry, leather, and woodsy flavours. Bold and charismatic, this wine begs to paired with a juicy T-bone steak!
Caymus - Suisun The Walking Fool 2022
“The Walking Fool” was the alias of Johannes Glos, who was often seen on foot and settled in Napa Valley to farm in1881, and is also the great-great-grandfather of winemaker Jenny Wagner. The grapes for this wine consist of Zinfandel and Petite Sirah come from the clay loam soils in the Suisun Valley AVA. A captivating nose of vanilla and fresh blueberry and wildberry fruit. One the palate, the plush dark cherry fruit is coddled in a warm blanket of cedar and sweetgrass smoke. Round and robust, without overpowering, and ending with a rustic, spark of sweet, and persistent finish. A true indulgence for red wine lovers.