Caymus-Suisun 2018 Grand Durif 1.5L

As a delicious alternative to the beloved Cabernet Sauvignon wines crafted at Caymus Vineyards, an iconic Napa Valley brand started by Chuck Wagner and his parents Charlie and Lorna in 1972. This wine is an homage to the classic California red wines made with Durif (commonly known as Petite Sirah), a hearty red grape named after French botanist Francois Durif, who developed this unique cross of Syrah and a lesser known variety called Peloursin in the 1860s. Despite receiving a lackluster reception in the Old World, the variety quickly gained superstar status soon after it arrived in California in the 1890s. Today, the appreciation of this grape has helped fuel an exciting renaissance of vineyards in Suisun Valley, a historic winegrowing region located just east of Napa Valley, where the grapes were grown.

93 POINTS - "It opens with a fragrant lilac, blueberry and acai berry bouquet with a hint of plum. On the palate, this wine is medium plus bodied, balanced and very smooth. The flavor profile is a tasty milk chocolate and stewed red plum blend with notes of blueberry. We also detected some hints of toasted oak mixed in. The finish is dry and its moderate tannins build-up and linger and last for quite a while." - Ken's Wine Guide

Suisun (su-soon) Valley is only a 40-minute drive southeast of Caymus and reminds us of Napa Valley in the 1960s. With its warm days and cool nights, the region is known for delicious stone fruits and walnuts – increasingly, it is also gaining recognition for its wine. Durif is synonymous with Petite Sirah, the widely grown grape in the region – we added “Grand” to the name of our Suisun-grown Durif because it has a grand style. With lush textural tannins, this wine is rich, supple and totally enjoyable.