Caymus California Cabernet Sauvignon 2022
Caymus California Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 is a 14.6% ABV Cabernet Sauvignon in a 750mL bottle from Caymus Vineyards — the statewide-apellation sibling of the famous Napa bottling, made by Chuck Wagner in Rutherford from Cabernet sourced at sites across California chosen for stony soils, south-facing slopes, and moderately warm conditions. This is the second vintage of the project (introduced with 2021): supple, dark, and rich, bearing the signature Caymus hallmarks, and rated 91 by Wine Spectator. Order it online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- Vintage: 2022 — second release (the 2021-vintage handle is stale; the wine is 2022)
- ABV: 14.6% (one retailer lists 14.7%)
- Appellation: California — statewide fruit, not Napa Valley
- Producer: Caymus Vineyards, Rutherford, Napa Valley — Chuck Wagner (founded 1972 by Charlie, Lorna, and Chuck Wagner)
- Score: 91 — Wine Spectator
- Style: supple, dark, rich — signature Caymus hallmarks; drink now through 2034
The Statewide Caymus
Chuck Wagner's idea was simple: California is full of overlooked vineyard land — lesser-known pockets with the right soils, the right slopes, the right warmth — where exceptional Cabernet can grow for a fraction of Napa's cost. The California Cabernet is that idea in a bottle: fruit from diverse sites statewide, made the Caymus way, priced for the table rather than the cellar. It's a separate wine from the Napa Valley Cabernet and the Special Selection — not a declassified version of either. See more from Caymus Vineyards or browse Del Mesa's Cabernet Sauvignon shelf.
Tasting Notes
Wine Spectator: a creamy, forward style with a core of warmed raspberry and boysenberry preserves infused with mocha and melted licorice, a late flicker of chaparral — "meant for near-term hedonism. Drink now through 2034." Retailer notes add ripe blackberry, dark cherry, cassis, vanilla, and cedar with subtle spice; a rich palate of dark fruit, plum, chocolate, balanced oak, and silky tannins; a long, smooth finish of fruit, oak, and spice.
How to Enjoy
Open it tonight — this is built for near-term drinking. Pair with beef, lamb, venison, tomato-based pasta, mushrooms, or chocolate and caramel; decanting 30 minutes wakes it up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Caymus California Cabernet the same as Caymus Napa Valley Cabernet?
No — this is a separate statewide-apellation wine, distinct from the Napa Valley bottling and the Special Selection.
What vintage is this?
2022 — the second release of the California Cabernet (introduced with 2021). The URL handle still says 2021, but the bottle is 2022.
What did Wine Spectator score it?
91 points.
How long can I cellar it?
Wine Spectator's window is drink now through 2034 — but it's made for near-term enjoyment.
The Wagner touch at a table-wine price — order Caymus California Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 online from Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.