Caymus Suisun Grand Durif 2021

Chuck Wagner founded Caymus Vineyards with his parents in 1972 in Rutherford, California, in the centre of Napa Valley. Now, Caymus is putting down roots in a neighbouring wine region called Suisun Valley. Only a 30-minute drive southeast of Napa, Suisun Valley is less well known than its more famous neighbour but shares a similar maritime climate and superb soils. Chuck likes to say that Suisun Valley reminds him of Napa Valley in the 1960s, full of open space, small family farms, meandering waterways lined with native oaks, and exceptional vineyards. Known more for its production of stone fruits, Suisun Valley is increasingly being recognized for its wines.

For the past several years, Chuck has been producing Caymus-Suisun Grand Durif. Durif is synonymous with Petite Sirah, one of the varietals that thrive in Suisun Valley. Chuck feels privileged to include "Suisun" in a Caymus wine and believes that people will come to know and appreciate the region more and more. The family looks forward to inviting people to explore the unique character of a place they consider a "hidden gem."

This midnight purple-coloured Petite Sirah from Caymus is impressive. It opens with a fragrant lilac, blueberry and acai berry bouquet with a hint of plum. This wine is medium-bodied, balanced and very smooth on the palate. The flavour profile is tasty milk chocolate and stewed red plum blend with notes of blueberry. You will detect some hints of toasted oak mixed in. The finish is dry, and its moderate tannins build up, linger, and last for a while. Enjoy it with wood-smoked short ribs, and bring a good appetite to the table.