Caymus Suisun Redgale Grenache

Caymus Suisun Redgale Grenache is a 100% Grenache red wine from Suisun Valley, California, bottled at 14.6–14.9% ABV in a standard 750ml format. Produced by the Wagner Family of Caymus Vineyards, this Mediterranean-inspired expression has earned 91–93 points from Buon Vino, reinforcing its standing as a serious California Grenache grown under exceptional vineyard conditions.

Quick Facts: ABV: 14.6–14.9%  |  Origin: Suisun Valley, Solano County, California  |  Varietal: 100% Grenache  |  Producer: Wagner Family / Caymus Vineyards

Production & Heritage

The Wagner Family, renowned for their flagship Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, planted the Redgale Vineyard in 2018 on southeast-facing slopes in Suisun Valley. The name "Redgale" captures the two defining forces of this site: deep red, stone-studded soil and relentless winds that regularly gust up to 20 mph. The vines are head-trained and free of trellis, spaced at a generous 12-by-12-foot grid—a configuration explicitly modeled after the great vineyards of Châteauneuf-du-Pape in France's southern Rhône Valley. This approach promotes low yields and encourages early varietal ripeness, concentrating flavor in each cluster under the region's warm Mediterranean climate.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with ripe strawberry compote and fresh raspberry before revealing a sweet spice cabinet of cinnamon and clove. A subtle savory, almost cellar-like undercurrent lends freshness and complexity beneath the fruit.

Taste: The entry is lean and precise, carried by vibrant acidity that frames the mid-palate without overwhelming it. Dark cherry and pomegranate emerge as the wine builds, interlaced with underlying oak influence. A smooth body and brooding tannins give the wine weight and structure without heaviness.

Finish: The finish is dry and persistent, with a fine grittiness that feels rich and enduring rather than bitter. Lingering freshness and a final hint of warm spice close the glass with a satisfying sense of completeness.

How to Drink Redgale Grenache

This Grenache rewards a slight chill—around 60–65°F—which sharpens its natural acidity and lifts the fruit aromatics. It drinks beautifully on its own and benefits from 20–30 minutes in a decanter. For cocktail-adjacent wine drinks, try it in a Kalimotxo (red wine and cola over ice), where its berry intensity holds up against the sweetness; a Red Wine Spritzer with sparkling water and a citrus twist to highlight the pomegranate and strawberry notes; or a classic Sangria built with stone fruits and brandy, where the Grenache's spice and dark cherry provide an ideal foundation.

Best For

• Gifting a Rhône wine enthusiast curious about California interpretations
• Summer grilling sessions featuring lamb, sausages, or spiced burgers
• Wine club tastings comparing Old World versus New World Grenache
• Collecting early vintages from a newly established vineyard with serious provenance

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Redgale Grenache taste like? It leads with bright strawberry and raspberry fruit, transitions into dark cherry and pomegranate on the palate, and finishes dry with fine-grained tannins and lingering spice. Vibrant acidity keeps the wine fresh despite its ripe, Mediterranean character.

How does Redgale Grenache compare to Châteauneuf-du-Pape? The vineyard was intentionally modeled after Châteauneuf-du-Pape, with head-trained vines and stony soil, so the structural similarities—warmth, spice, and textured tannins—are real. However, as a 100% Grenache bottling from Suisun Valley, it tends toward brighter, more forward fruit than the typical multi-grape blends of the southern Rhône.

Is Redgale Grenache good for sipping on its own? Yes, its balance of vibrant acidity, smooth body, and persistent finish makes it well suited for drinking neat, especially when served slightly below room temperature to emphasize its aromatic freshness.

Where is Redgale Grenache made? It is produced by the Wagner Family at the Redgale Vineyard in Suisun Valley, Solano County, California. The vineyard sits on southeast-facing slopes and was planted in 2018 in deep red soil under a warm, wind-influenced Mediterranean climate.

What foods pair well with Redgale Grenache? Grilled lamb chops complement the wine's brooding tannins and spice. Roasted red pepper dishes echo its fruit-forward character. Charcuterie boards with cured meats and aged cheeses match its savory undertones. Herbed roast chicken benefits from the wine's acidity, and Provençal ratatouille mirrors its Mediterranean roots.

What sizes does Redgale Grenache come in? The standard release is a 750ml bottle.

Is Redgale Grenache worth the price? It positions as a premium California Grenache, justified by single-vineyard sourcing, low-yield head-trained vines, and the Wagner Family pedigree behind the Caymus name. For drinkers seeking a thoughtfully produced Grenache with genuine site expression, it represents strong value in its tier.

Why Redgale Grenache?

Few California producers commit to 100% Grenache from a single site, and fewer still design their vineyard from the ground up to emulate the conditions of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. The Redgale Vineyard's head-trained, trellis-free vines, deep red soils embedded with stones, and persistent wind exposure create a growing environment that genuinely pushes toward southern Rhône character while retaining the ripe clarity of Suisun Valley sunshine. Backed by 91–93 points from Buon Vino and the established reputation of the Wagner Family, this Grenache delivers a distinctive combination of Old World structure and California fruit that stands apart in a crowded market. As one of the early vintages from a still-young vineyard, it also carries the appeal of watching a serious wine project evolve.