Caymus Vineyard was founded in 1972 by Charlie Wagner, Lorna Belle Glos of Wagner and their son Chuck Wagner. In 1971 they began planning to build a winery, while continuing to tend to their already cultivated vineyards. In November 1971, Charlie & Chuck along with other workers pruned their 22 hectares of grapes to begin producing their wine. This was the beginning of a close relationship that would last until Charlie's passing in 2002. Charlie passed away at the age of 90. He was a man of hard work and an illustrious career. “Charlie Wagner believed in moderation; although he consumed around 3,000 gallons of wine in his lifetime. His lifestyle was to have a glass of wine with lunch and dinner and this tradition continues to be a healthy custom for the Wagners (but always in moderation!)” Caymus has focused year after year on maintaining its excellent reputation in the production of its two Cabernet wines - "Special Selection" & "Napa Valley". From the beginning, Caymus focused on producing the Cabernet Sauvignon varietal, which produces the finest wine in the Napa Valley region. Caymus has been considered an "innovator" in the style of producing its Cabernets. The Wagners have continued to forge new techniques in the vineyards as well as in their cellars. Through trial and error, Caymus has made careful changes over four decades in the industry.
Caymus has 142 hectares of vineyards planted in 14 separate locations throughout the prime soils of Napa Valley. Caymus Cabernet is produced from approximately 25% of the fruit from the slopes of its mountains and 75% of the fruit from the valley.
Chuck Wagner, Caymus producer and vintner, makes the decisions on a plot-by-plot basis regarding maceration times, fermentation temperatures, the type and level of toasting of the French and American oak barrels, as well as their aging time in the barrel. The vineyards are carefully and painstakingly selected to blend authentic wines that best express their terroir and vintage. Chuck Wagner says, “Growing grapes and making wine requires will, tenacity, and a tireless spirit to be successful. I am proud that our family continues this philosophy of life!” Simply put, Caymus is dedicated to producing wines of excellent quality, the best description for these wines is: “Deep purple, opulent, ripe, silky textured, complex and age-worthy wine.” The hallmark of Caymus Cabernet is the factor of its enjoyment as a new or aged wine.