Caymus Red Schooner Voyage 10 Malbec

Caymus Red Schooner Voyage 10 Malbec is a bold, adventurous red that brings together the best of two wine worlds: high‑altitude Malbec from the Andes and the polished craftsmanship of California’s Caymus winery. Instead of making Malbec in Argentina, Caymus ships carefully selected grapes by sea to Napa Valley, where they’re vinified with the same care and style as the iconic Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon. The “Voyage 10” name marks the 10th shipment of grapes, harvested in 2020, giving this non‑vintage wine a unique maritime and cross‑continental story.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, Voyage 10 shows a deep, inky, dark red color, almost opaque at the core with a vibrant, youthful rim. The nose is generous and expressive, layered with ripe black and red plums, dates, wild flowers, supple suede, and a subtle hint of sweet oak and spice. On the palate, this Malbec is plush and full‑bodied, delivering waves of ripe, red and black plum fruit intertwined with dark chocolate, leather, and a gentle touch of smoke toward the finish. The texture is velvety, with Caymus’ hallmark combination of richness and approachability: powerful concentration wrapped in soft, polished tannins. Notes of French oak are evident but well‑integrated, adding structure and a refined, toasty complexity. While crafted to be enjoyed upon release for its opulent, fruit‑forward profile, Voyage 10 has the stuffing to age gracefully for several years, developing more savory and tertiary nuances over time.

Production
Red Schooner Voyage 10 begins in select high‑altitude vineyards in the Andes of Argentina, where Malbec thrives in intense sunlight, cool nights, and mineral‑rich mountain soils. Grapes are hand‑selected for ripeness and quality, then shipped by refrigerated sea transport to California—an unconventional ‘voyage’ that preserves freshness and varietal character. Once in Napa Valley, the fruit is vinified much like Caymus Cabernet: carefully destemmed, fermented to highlight plush texture and ripe fruit, and then matured in French oak barrels. This combination of Andean terroir and Caymus’ Napa Valley expertise creates a Malbec that is both vividly New World in its richness and uniquely shaped by its journey across the ocean.

Food & Serving
This is a natural match for rich, flavorful dishes: think grilled ribeye or flank steak, slow‑braised short ribs, lamb chops with rosemary, or smoky barbecue. It also pairs beautifully with hearty burgers, charcuterie, aged hard cheeses, and dishes with dark, savory sauces or a touch of spice. Serve at 16–18°C (about 60–65°F) to let the fruit and oak integrate harmoniously. A brief decant of 30–45 minutes will help the wine open up, softening the tannins and allowing the layers of plum, chocolate, and leather to fully express themselves.

Producer
Caymus Vineyards, founded by the Wagner family in Napa Valley, is one of California’s most recognized names, especially known for its lush, approachable Cabernet Sauvignon. Over decades, Caymus has helped define the modern Napa style—rich, generous, and impeccably polished—while maintaining a hands‑on, family‑run ethos. The Red Schooner project reflects Caymus’ innovative spirit, extending their expertise beyond Cabernet to Malbec sourced from top Andean terroirs. By vinifying these grapes in California, Caymus has created a distinctive, globe‑spanning wine that has earned strong critical and consumer praise, further cementing the winery’s reputation as a leader in premium New World reds.