Red Schooner Voyage 12

From the visionary team behind Caymus, Red Schooner Voyage 12 delivers a thrilling expression of Malbec unlike any other in the world. Sourced from the high-altitude vineyards of Mendoza in the Andes Mountains, these grapes are harvested at peak ripeness, then cooled and transported by sea to California, where the Wagner family applies their signature craftsmanship. The result is a wine that defies categorization—unbound by traditional vintage labels and instead defined by the journey it takes: this, the twelfth voyage, reflects the 2022 growing season in Argentina, expressed through the refined lens of Napa Valley winemaking.

In the glass, Red Schooner Voyage 12 is a marvel of depth and saturation, with an opaque ruby core that hints at the power within. Aromatically, it unleashes a sumptuous perfume of blackberry compote, cassis, crushed violets, and dark chocolate, underpinned by subtle waves of graphite, vanilla bean, and allspice. This is no over-oaked behemoth, but rather a wine of textural polish and aromatic layering. The fruit profile is ripe but never cloying, lifted by freshness and precision.

On the palate, the wine is supple and richly textured, with velvety tannins that frame its generous core of black plum, blueberry liqueur, and black cherry reduction. There is an unmistakable Andes minerality—cool and ferrous—woven through the dense mid-palate. The wine fans out beautifully, finishing with notes of espresso, fig, and a hint of cinnamon-dusted cocoa powder. It is full-bodied yet agile, decadent yet controlled—a masterclass in balancing opulence and elegance.

What sets Voyage 12 apart is not just its cross-continental origin story, but its seamless fusion of Argentine power and Californian finesse. This is Malbec reimagined, crafted with intent and precision by a winery that has long set the benchmark for lush, expressive reds. It is drinking beautifully now, especially with flame-grilled meats or aged cheeses, but has the structure and concentration to evolve gracefully over the next 7–10 years.

For collectors, enthusiasts, or anyone in search of something truly distinctive, Red Schooner Voyage 12 offers a singular tasting experience. With its rich mouthfeel, polished tannins, and intoxicating bouquet, it is a wine that speaks fluently in the language of pleasure. A seductive triumph from start to finish.

Socially Rated 4+ / 5 ⭐

Grapes for this Malbec are grown in the Andes Mountains of Argentina, then chilled and transported by ocean voyage to Caymus, where we use our winemaking techniques to create a style that is dense, dark and supple. Falling outside standard labeling rules, Red Schooner does not include a vintage date but is known by the voyage from which it traveled (i.e. Voyage 12 is the 2022 vintage). Strikingly smooth, with scents and flavors of dark fruit and fine, textural tannins.