Bonanza Cabernet Sauvignon 375ML

Bonanza Cabernet Sauvignon 375ML is a non-vintage California Cabernet Sauvignon from the Wagner Family of Wine, bottled at 14.6% ABV in a 375ml half bottle. Often called "Baby Caymus" by devoted fans, this multi-vintage blend earned 91 points from Wine Stars and draws from overlooked vineyard sites across California—primarily Lodi—that Chuck Wagner identified as having untapped Cabernet potential.

Quick Facts: ABV: 14.6%  |  Origin: California, USA  |  Non-Vintage, Multi-Vintage Blend  |  Producer: Wagner Family of Wine (Caymus Vineyards)

Production & Heritage

Chuck Wagner, the founder of Caymus Vineyards in Napa Valley, created Bonanza as a California-appellation Cabernet Sauvignon that sources grapes from vineyard sites he considers hidden gems—parcels with strong Cabernet potential that are frequently passed over by larger producers. The fruit comes primarily from Lodi, and the wine is blended across multiple vintages rather than carrying a single vintage date, giving the winemaking team flexibility to maintain a consistent house style. The result is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon with the Wagner family's signature emphasis on ripe fruit, smooth tannin structure, and approachable drinkability.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with currants and dried roses, followed by dark cherry and ripe plum. A layer of toasty oak contributes subtle smoked-meat and vanilla nuances alongside fresh-tilled earth.

Taste: Blueberry and blackberry flavors arrive on the entry, deepening into cassis and vanilla at mid-palate. Toasted bread and a hint of cedar round out the profile, carried by silky, well-integrated tannins that keep the texture smooth and inviting.

Finish: The finish is mouthwatering and surprisingly lengthy for the category, trailing off with unsweetened chocolate and warm baking spice. A subtle echo of dark fruit lingers as the tannins fade cleanly.

How to Drink Bonanza Cabernet

This Cabernet drinks well at a slight chill—around 60–65°F—whether neat in a standard Bordeaux glass or with a single ice cube on warmer evenings. Its fruit-forward, low-tannin profile also makes it a versatile cocktail and sangria component.

• Red Wine Sangria: The ripe dark-berry character and vanilla undertones build a rich sangria base without needing excessive added sugar.
• Cabernet Cobbler: Blackberry and vanilla notes complement the muddled citrus and sugar in this classic wine cocktail.
• Kalimotxo: The smooth, fruit-driven profile balances the sweetness of cola in this Basque-inspired highball.

Best For

• Weeknight dinners when a full 750ml is more than you need
• Gifting Caymus fans a taste of the Wagner family style at an accessible price
• Stocking a by-the-glass program or personal tasting flight
• Introducing newer wine drinkers to quality California Cabernet Sauvignon

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Bonanza Cabernet taste like? Bonanza Cabernet Sauvignon delivers ripe dark berry and cassis flavors layered with vanilla, toasted oak, and a touch of unsweetened chocolate. Silky tannins keep the palate smooth, finishing with warm spice and lingering fruit.

How does Bonanza Cabernet compare to Daou Cabernet Sauvignon? Both sit in a similar price tier and target drinkers looking for approachable, fruit-forward California Cabernet. Bonanza leans into softer tannins and a multi-vintage blending approach, while Daou Cabernet Sauvignon is a single-vintage Paso Robles wine that tends to show more structured tannins and distinct minerality.

Is Bonanza Cabernet good for beginners? Yes—its silky tannins, generous fruit, and smooth finish make it one of the more approachable California Cabernets at its price point. The 375ml format is also a low-commitment way to explore the style.

Where is Bonanza Cabernet made? Bonanza is produced by the Wagner Family of Wine, the same family behind Caymus Vineyards in Napa Valley. The grapes are sourced primarily from Lodi and other California vineyard sites, and the wine carries a California appellation.

What foods pair well with Bonanza Cabernet? Grilled burgers or ribeye steak match the wine's dark-berry richness. Aged cheddar or Gouda complement the vanilla and toasty oak notes. Braised short ribs echo the cassis and chocolate undertones. Mushroom risotto mirrors the earthy, savory side of the palate. Dark-chocolate brownies make a surprisingly harmonious dessert pairing.

What sizes does Bonanza Cabernet come in? Bonanza Cabernet Sauvignon is widely available in a standard 750ml bottle and this 375ml half bottle, making the smaller format convenient for single servings or sampling.

Is Bonanza Cabernet worth the price? Bonanza positions as an entry-level expression within the Wagner Family portfolio, delivering a polished, fruit-driven Cabernet well above what most wines at this tier offer. The Caymus pedigree behind the label adds credibility that few competitors in the same value segment can match.

Why Bonanza Cabernet?

What separates Bonanza from the crowded field of value California Cabernets is the Wagner family name and the multi-vintage blending strategy that lets the winemaking team chase consistency rather than vintage variation. Chuck Wagner built his reputation on ripe, velvety Napa Cabernet at Caymus, and Bonanza translates that philosophy to a broader California appellation at a fraction of the cost. The 375ml half bottle is especially practical—two generous glasses of a well-made Cabernet without opening a full bottle. For anyone curious about the Wagner style or simply looking for a dependable California Cab, this is a smart entry point.