Caymus Zinfandel 2022

Caymus Zinfandel 2022 showcases just how luxurious and characterful Zinfandel can be, without ever losing its sense of purity and balance. Rich, bold and instantly generous in the glass, it overdelivers for the price and captures the plush, fruit‑driven style that Caymus is famous for. Long a favorite of Caymus founder Charlie Wagner, this wine returns to the classic multi-county blend that first put it on the map in the 1970s.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, Caymus Zinfandel 2022 is a deep, saturated ruby with a purple hue at the rim, hinting at its intensity and youth. The nose is opulent and inviting, with layers of dark plums, mulberry and bramble wrapped around notes of black licorice, violets and sweet baking spices from careful oak aging. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and velvety, yet surprisingly polished. Ripe strawberry compote, raspberry tart and black cherry are supported by undertones of mocha, warm vanilla and a subtle mineral edge reminiscent of wet granite. The tannins are supple and rounded, giving a plush mouthfeel, while a core of fresh acidity keeps the richness in check and extends the long, fruit-driven finish. Enjoyable now for its exuberant fruit and texture, it will continue to develop added complexity over the next 5–7 years if cellared properly.

Production
Caymus Zinfandel 2022 is crafted from fruit grown across some of California’s most renowned Zinfandel sites, including Napa Valley, Lake County, Suisun Valley, Lodi and Monterey County. This wide geographic spread brings together warm, sun-soaked vineyards that deliver dense, ripe fruit with cooler-influenced sites that retain freshness and aromatic lift. Grapes are harvested at optimal ripeness, often picked block by block to capture the ideal balance of sugar and acidity. In the cellar, Caymus employs a combination of temperature-controlled fermentation to preserve vibrant aromatics and extended maceration for color and flavor extraction. The wine is then aged in a selection of oak barrels, allowing the dark fruit, spice and mocha notes to knit together into the plush, signature Caymus style.

Food & Serving
This generous Zinfandel is a natural partner for rich, flavor-packed dishes. Think slow-cooked beef short ribs, barbecued pork with a smoky glaze, grilled lamb chops, gourmet burgers or hearty pasta with tomato-based ragù. It also works beautifully with aged hard cheeses and charcuterie. Serve at 16–18°C (60–65°F) to highlight both its aromatic complexity and plush texture. Decanting for 30–45 minutes before serving will help the wine open up, smoothing the tannins and allowing the layered dark fruit, spice and mocha notes to fully express themselves.

Producer
Caymus Vineyards, founded in 1972 by the Wagner family in Napa Valley, has become one of California’s most recognizable names, particularly for its powerful yet polished Cabernet Sauvignon. The estate played a key role in defining the rich, approachable Napa style that has captivated wine lovers around the world. While Cabernet is their calling card, Zinfandel has always held a special place at Caymus—indeed, it was a favorite of founder Charlie Wagner and has been crafted since the winery’s early days. By drawing fruit from select sites across California, Caymus brings its meticulous, quality-driven approach to this heritage grape, consistently earning high consumer ratings and solidifying its reputation as a benchmark producer of bold, crowd-pleasing premium reds.