Caymus Suisun 2023 Walking Fool Red

In the rolling, sun-kissed hills of Suisun Valley—just a whisper away from Napa’s famed vineyards—Caymus has discovered a second home, a land where the Wagner family’s relentless pursuit of excellence finds new expression. Here, where the soil pulses with history and the climate mirrors Napa’s most coveted pockets, the 2023 Walking Fool Red emerges as a revelation. Named for a wandering ancestor whose footsteps traced the landscape in quiet determination, this wine carries the same sense of purpose—an evocative blend of Zinfandel and Petite Sirah that commands attention with every sip.

From the first pour, the wine’s deep, inky hue speaks of its intensity, a seductive prelude to the lush aromatics that follow. Ripe raspberries burst forth, their sweetness tempered by a swirl of black cherries and wild plums. Beneath the fruit, espresso-laced earthiness lends a darker intrigue, a whisper of roasted cocoa and spiced vanilla that nods to the patient aging in fine oak. The first sip is a revelation—silken, seamless, yet undeniably bold. The Zinfandel’s vibrant, sun-drenched energy surges forward, a rush of red berry opulence, while Petite Sirah weaves its signature structure, adding depth, richness, and a finely tuned tannic grip that caresses rather than dominates.

The mid-palate is a symphony of contrasts—juicy yet refined, dark yet bright, indulgent yet impossibly smooth. The acidity, perfectly dialed in, keeps the richness in check, ensuring the wine never veers into excess. As it unfolds, layers of baking spice, toasted caramel, and a hint of cracked pepper emerge, each note lingering like the fading embers of a slow-burning fire. The finish, long and unhurried, leaves traces of black fruit compote and mocha, an invitation to return for another sip, another moment of indulgence.

Caymus Suisun’s Walking Fool Red is not simply a wine; it’s a statement. A testament to the Wagners’ ability to harness new terroir, new varietal combinations, and new dimensions of pleasure. It is at once familiar and daring, a wine that straddles the line between power and grace with effortless confidence. Pair it with slow-braised short ribs, a perfectly charred ribeye, or a simple evening under the stars—its company alone is intoxicating. This is Suisun Valley’s potential realized, a blend that seduces with every nuance, every velvety sip. The Walking Fool may have wandered, but this wine finds its place firmly at the table of those who appreciate the extraordinary.

Socially Rated 4+ / 5 ⭐

Featuring Zinfandel and Petite Sirah, this wine is smooth and lively, with juicy raspberry, notes of espresso and softly fine tannins.