{"product_id":"caymus-vineyards-zinfandel-california-750ml","title":"Caymus Vineyards 2021 Zinfandel California 750ml","description":"\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\"\u003eCharlie Wagner Sr. built his reputation on Cabernet Sauvignon, but his personal favorite in the glass was always Zinfandel. Caymus Vineyards, the winery he founded in 1972 alongside his wife Lorna Belle and their son Chuck in Rutherford, Napa Valley, has quietly honored that preference ever since — producing only a small, limited bottling of Zinfandel each year, a wine that exists specifically because the family patriarch loved it, rather than because it fits neatly into Caymus's broader Cabernet-driven identity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\"\u003eThe wine carries the broader California appellation, drawing on fruit that has historically included two of the estate's most storied Zinfandel sites: the Butala Vineyard in St. Helena, where old, gnarly, head-pruned vines grow without trellis wires in the way Zinfandel has traditionally been farmed for generations, and Mead Ranch, a red-soil site perched high in the mountains of Atlas Peak, where the great majority of vines are now more than thirty years old. The California designation gives the winemaking team the flexibility to draw on the best available fruit for a given vintage from a broader footprint than a single, narrower AVA would permit — a diversified, site-driven philosophy that still carries the same signature Caymus hand that makes even a limited-production side project taste unmistakably like the winery that made it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\"\u003eAnthony Gismondi of Gismondi on Wine awarded the 2021 vintage 90 Points, calling it \"varietally correct, packed full of bright red fruit reminiscent of a southern Rhône Grenache,\" with crushed raspberries, boysenberries, a touch of pepper, and moderate alcohol — \"a sense of freshness here, adding charm to this solid everyday zin that would be the perfect foil to pork ribs or a mushroom pizza.\" The estate's own tasting notes describe a deep ruby color with an expressive bouquet of blackberry, plum, and dark cherry, complemented by hints of vanilla and oak, full-bodied with a smooth, velvety mouthfeel. This is Zinfandel exactly the way Charlie Wagner Sr. would have wanted it — approachable, generous, and built for the table.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr class=\"border-border-200 border-t-0.5 my-3 mx-1.5\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"text-text-100 mt-3 -mb-1 text-[1.125rem] font-bold\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigins \u0026amp; Craftsmanship\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\"\u003eCaymus Vineyards was founded in 1972 by Charlie Wagner Sr. and his wife Lorna Belle Glos Wagner, alongside their son Chuck, in Rutherford, Napa Valley — a family whose winemaking roots trace even further back through Chuck's great-grandfather Lafayette Stice, an early Napa winemaker, and the Glos family, German immigrants who homesteaded on Howell Mountain in the 1880s. The winery remains family-owned and operated today under the broader Wagner Family of Wine umbrella, renowned primarily as a consistent leader in Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon production, farming across eight of Napa's sixteen sub-appellations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\"\u003eAlongside its Cabernet program, Caymus produces a small, limited bottling of Zinfandel specifically to honor co-founder Charlie Wagner Sr., for whom the variety was a personal favorite. This 2021 bottling carries the California appellation. Fruit sources associated with the estate's Zinfandel program have included the Butala Vineyard in St. Helena, where old, head-pruned vines grow without trellis wires in a traditional, gnarly, own-rooted style that produces exceptional wine from soil and vine age alone; and Mead Ranch, a red-soil vineyard high in the mountains of Atlas Peak, where the majority of vines are head-pruned and over thirty years old. Historically, Caymus's Zinfandel shows its full character within two to three years of the vintage date, though it remains enjoyable both on release and after a decade or more of cellaring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr class=\"border-border-200 border-t-0.5 my-3 mx-1.5\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"text-text-100 mt-3 -mb-1 text-[1.125rem] font-bold\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCritics Reviews\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAnthony Gismondi, Gismondi on Wine — 90 Points:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Charlie Wagner Sr. was a big fan of Zinfandel, so the winery still produces a small amount of California Zinfandel yearly. The 2021 is a varietally correct wine packed full of bright red fruit reminiscent of a southern Rhône Grenache. Look for crushed raspberries, boysenberries, a touch of pepper, and moderate alcohol. There is a sense of freshness here, adding charm to this solid everyday zin that would be the perfect foil to pork ribs or a mushroom pizza.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWine-Searcher aggregate — 90\/100 (2021 vintage)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCellarTracker community — 90 average\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNationwide Liquor (official-style retailer tasting note):\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"This wine presents a deep ruby color and offers an expressive bouquet featuring notes of blackberry, plum, and dark cherry, complemented by hints of vanilla and oak. On the palate, it is full-bodied with a smooth and velvety mouthfeel, showcasing flavors consistent with the nose, including ripe black fruits and subtle spice. The finish is long and satisfying, leaving a lasting impression of its complex flavors and refined structure.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCellarTracker community (individual review):\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Medium ruby in the glass. Full-bodied, off-dry, soft-to-medium tannins, soft acidity. Primary black fruit aroma of blackberry, red fruit aroma of strawberry, both presenting as more cooked fruit as opposed to preserved\/jammy fruit. Spice aroma of white pepper. Secondary earth aroma of potting soil. Tertiary general aging aroma of leather, oak aging aroma of cigar box. The finish is smokey, with a medium length.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr class=\"border-border-200 border-t-0.5 my-3 mx-1.5\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"text-text-100 mt-3 -mb-1 text-[1.125rem] font-bold\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Profile\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNose\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDeep ruby color. An expressive bouquet of blackberry, plum, and dark cherry leads, complemented by hints of vanilla and oak. Crushed raspberries and boysenberries add bright red fruit character, alongside a touch of white pepper and a whisper of earth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePalate\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFull-bodied with a smooth, velvety mouthfeel, showcasing flavors consistent with the nose — ripe black fruits and subtle spice carrying through cleanly. Moderate alcohol and a genuine sense of freshness keep the wine from feeling heavy, closer in style to a southern Rhône Grenache than a typically jammy, high-alcohol California Zinfandel.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLong and satisfying, leaving a lasting impression of complex flavors and refined structure. A soft, approachable close built for immediate, food-friendly enjoyment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr class=\"border-border-200 border-t-0.5 my-3 mx-1.5\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"text-text-100 mt-3 -mb-1 text-[1.125rem] font-bold\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Overview\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"overflow-x-auto w-full px-2 mb-6\"\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"min-w-full border-collapse text-sm leading-[1.7] whitespace-normal\"\u003e\n\u003cthead class=\"text-left\"\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"col\" class=\"text-text-100 border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.6)] py-2 pr-4 align-top font-bold\"\u003eCategory\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"col\" class=\"text-text-100 border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.6)] py-2 pr-4 align-top font-bold\"\u003eDetails\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAppellation\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003eCalifornia\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVariety\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003eZinfandel\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVintage\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003e2021\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinery\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003eCaymus Vineyards\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFounded\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003e1972 by Charlie Wagner Sr., Lorna Belle Glos Wagner, and Chuck Wagner\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFamily\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003eWagner Family of Wine\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNamed In Honor Of\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003eCharlie Wagner Sr. — co-founder, Zinfandel enthusiast\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAssociated Vineyard Sources\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003eButala Vineyard (St. Helena) · Mead Ranch (Atlas Peak)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVine Training\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003eHead-pruned, no trellis wires\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVine Age\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003eMany vines over 30 years old\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCritics\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003eAnthony Gismondi, Gismondi on Wine — 90 Points · Wine-Searcher aggregate 90\/100 · CellarTracker community 90\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStyle \/ Identity\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003eFresh, red-fruit-driven California Zinfandel — more Rhône Grenache than typical jammy Zin\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAromas \u0026amp; Flavors\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003eBlackberry, plum, dark cherry, crushed raspberry, boysenberry, black pepper, vanilla, oak\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDrinking Window\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003eNow through 2028\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBottle Size\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-[hsl(var(--border-300)\/0.3)] py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003e750ml\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003chr class=\"border-border-200 border-t-0.5 my-3 mx-1.5\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"text-text-100 mt-3 -mb-1 text-[1.125rem] font-bold\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFood Pairings\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"[li_\u0026amp;]:mb-0 [li_\u0026amp;]:mt-1 [li_\u0026amp;]:gap-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc flex flex-col gap-1 pl-8 mb-3\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003ePork ribs — the critic's own specific recommendation\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eMushroom pizza\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eSpicy Sicilian sausage\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eBBQ and grilled red meats\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003ePasta with tomato-based sauces\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Southern","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43945032679490,"sku":null,"price":40.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0363\/8621\/files\/Caymus_Vineyards_2021_Zinfandel_California_750ml.jpg?v=1783607002","url":"https:\/\/www.blackwellswines.com\/products\/caymus-vineyards-zinfandel-california-750ml","provider":"Blackwell's Wines \u0026 Spirits","version":"1.0","type":"link"}