"CAYMUS VINEYARDS produces two Cabernets Sauvignons – a “Napa Valley” and the venerable “Special Selection”. Both Cabernet bottlings have aromas and flavors which can only be achieved through “hang time” – a technique which chances the loss of crop if early winter sets in. Leaving the fruit to “hang” on the vine unusually long develops suppleness, increases color, and matures the tannins of the grapes. The wines are abundant in textural tannins yet soft as velvet. Crop thinning, allowing measured sunlight to reach the vine’s fruit zone, and waiting for increased ripeness are all part of our viticultural practices. CAYMUS CABERNETS offer a wide array of aromas and flavors including cocoa, cassis and vanilla."

The first vintage of CAYMUS was in 1972, although the Rutherford property, owned by the Wagner family, has been planted to grapes since the 1940s. These were sold to other producers in Napa until the 19-year-old Chuck Wagner agreed to help his parents establish a winery on their ranch. Today, CAYMUS VINEYARDS is still family owned and operated, with various wines made by Chuck's sons Joe and Charlie, and his daughter, Jenny.

CAYMUS SPECIAL SELECTION is the flagship wine of the Wagner family and is comprised of the very best barrels of the vintage. This wine is not produced in difficult years. CAYMUS Napa Valley is more representative of a standard Cabernet of Napa Valley, as it is a bit less precocious than the Special Selection, but still delivers big. CAYMUS prides itself on producing wines that are as approachable in youth as well at maturity. Both the “Napa Valley” and “Special Selection” Cabernets are produced under the winemaking hand of Chuck Wagner.