Caymus Zinfandel

Caymus Zinfandel 2023 is a full-bodied, 100% Zinfandel from California, bottled at approximately 15.2% ABV in a 750ml format. This limited production wine is a tribute to Caymus co-founder Charlie Wagner Sr., for whom Zinfandel was a personal favorite varietal. The expression has consistently scored between 90 and 95 points across multiple vintages, with the 2016 earning 92 points from Wine Spectator.

Quick Facts: ABV: ~15.2%  |  Origin: California, USA  |  Varietal: 100% Zinfandel  |  Winery: Caymus Vineyards

Production & Heritage

Caymus Vineyards was founded in 1972 by Charlie Wagner Sr., Lorna Belle Glos Wagner, and Chuck Wagner in Rutherford, Napa Valley. The winery remains 100% family-owned, with the next generation, Charlie and Jenny Wagner, now involved in production. The Zinfandel is a deliberately smaller-volume bottling within a portfolio otherwise dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon, made in a house style that emphasizes harvesting at elevated ripeness, generous oak aging, and soft tannins to produce a rich, accessible wine designed to drink well from release.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Bold blackberry and black currant rise first, layered with baking spice and subtle floral notes. Vanilla from oak aging rounds out the nose with a warm, inviting depth.

Taste: Dark berry fruit, plum, and cherry define the entry, moving into black pepper and licorice at mid-palate. The mouthfeel is smooth and velvety, carried by soft, integrated tannins that support the wine's considerable body without turning grippy.

Finish: Long and lingering, with warm spice and ripe fruit echoing through the close. The high alcohol contributes a gentle warmth that slowly fades, leaving dark berry and a trace of sweet oak.

How to Drink Caymus Zinfandel

Serve at cellar temperature, around 60 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit, in a large-bowled glass that allows the aromas to fully open. A brief 15-minute chill before opening can tame the alcohol warmth and spotlight the fruit. This Zinfandel is at its best poured alongside food or sipped on its own. For a red wine Sangria, the ripe berry core adds natural sweetness and depth. In a Mulled Wine, the baking spice and dark fruit amplify warm winter spices like cinnamon and clove. A Wine Spritzer with a splash of sparkling water brings out the floral aromatics on warmer days.

Best For

• Gifting a wine enthusiast who favors bold, fruit-forward California reds
• Pairing alongside grilled steaks or barbecue at an outdoor dinner
• Adding a standout Zinfandel to a California wine tasting lineup
• Marking a milestone with a well-known Napa Valley family label

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Caymus Zinfandel taste like? Caymus Zinfandel delivers bold blackberry, plum, and dark cherry flavors accented by black pepper, licorice, and vanilla from oak aging. The wine is full-bodied with soft tannins, a velvety texture, and a long, warm finish.

How does Caymus Zinfandel compare to Turley Zinfandel? Caymus and Turley are frequently ranked as two of the top premium California Zinfandels, both occupying a similar retail price tier. Caymus is distinguished by its limited production tribute bottling and a house style built around elevated ripeness for immediate, fruit-forward accessibility.

Is Caymus Zinfandel good for sipping on its own? Yes, the soft tannins, ripe fruit, and smooth texture make it an approachable wine to enjoy without food. Serving it slightly below room temperature, around 60 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit, brings out the best balance of fruit and spice.

Where is Caymus Zinfandel made? Caymus Vineyards is located in Rutherford, Napa Valley, California, and has been family-owned since its founding in 1972. The Zinfandel is produced under a California appellation.

What foods pair well with Caymus Zinfandel? Grilled ribeye steak complements the bold fruit and soft tannins. Braised short ribs match the wine's richness and spice. Smoked barbecue plays well against ripe berry and pepper notes. Aged cheddar or Gouda balances the full body. Dark chocolate desserts echo the deep fruit character.

What sizes does Caymus Zinfandel come in? Caymus Zinfandel is available in the standard 750ml bottle.

Is Caymus Zinfandel worth the price? Caymus Zinfandel positions as a premium California Zinfandel within a competitive tier alongside other top-shelf Zinfandel producers. Its limited production, five decades of Wagner family winemaking heritage, and consistently strong critical scores across vintages support its standing in the category.

Why Caymus Zinfandel?

This is not simply another label extension. It is a limited production tribute to co-founder Charlie Wagner Sr., whose personal love for the varietal inspired its creation. With critical scores ranging from 90 to 95 points across vintages and a 92-point Wine Spectator rating for the 2016, the wine has earned its place among California's most recognized Zinfandels. The Wagner family's five-plus decades in Napa Valley, combined with a house philosophy that prizes bold, ripe, immediately accessible reds, give this Zinfandel a distinct identity that stands apart from vineyard-driven or restrained-style bottlings in the category.