Caymus Suisun The Walking Fool Red Blend 2023 (750ml)

 

“The Walking Fool” Red Blend, produced by Jenny Wagner

 

It is named after Jenny’s great-great grandfather, Johannes Glos, who came to Napa Valley in the 1880s and often traveled by foot, thus earning his affectionate nickname.  This wine has a vibrant character (much like we imagine the man himself), featuring Zinfandel and Petite Sirah.

 

Caymus Suisun The Walking Fool Red Blend 2023

 

This red wine blend is produced from Suisun Valley, a remarkable AVA that has become the Wagner family’s second home.  A 30-minute drive from Napa, Suisun has ideal soils and climate for a variety of grapes.  The Walking Fool is named after a long-ago relative who was often seen traveling by foot – thus earning this affectionate moniker.  Featuring Zinfandel and Petite Sirah, this wine is smooth and lively, with juicy raspberry, notes of espresso and softly fine tannins.

 

Vintage:  2023

 

Varietal:  Proprietary Blend

 

In 1881, my great-great-grandfather homesteaded on remote Howell Mountain in the Napa Valley, where he farmed and raised his family.  Walking to work at the wineries in the Valley below, this jovial man took on two monikers, Jolly Dutchman and most affectionately, the Walking Fool as he was keen of mind and often seen on foot.  This label stems from a photo of Johannes toting spring water at his mountain home – the wooden yolk on his shoulders a treasured item in the hands of family today.

 

Just down the valley and over the hill lies the Suisun Valley, a tranquil stretch of farmland that is less well known than its famous neighbor.  Suisun Valley is an AVA that remains totally dedicated to farming and this wine is produced entirely from its special clay loam soils.  The production was purposely focused – blending light and fresh styles with dark and concentrated classic varietals.  This wine is vibrant and unique, bright and piquant yet round in character – much like we envision the man himself.  We think “The Walking fool” would be proud to know that his descendants have remained farming locally all the while, and we now thank him for settling our family here in some of California’s best wine country.  Jenny Wagner

 

Suisun Valley

 

About one-tenth the size of Napa Valley, Suisun Valley shares a remarkably similar maritime climate, influenced by San Francisco and San Pablo Bays.  Warm days and cool nights provide ideal conditions for a variety of grapes.

 

The region’s richer soils are especially conducive to farming top-quality Petite Sirah, but other varietals also thrive, including Zinfandel and Sauvignon Blanc.  Many believe the soils of Suisun Valley impart special flavor characteristics in the fruits and vegetables grown here and the wines produced.

 

The region has stayed out of the spotlight due to its small size and family wineries that sell mostly out of their tasting rooms.  Historically, Suisun Valley was known for its stone fruits and walnuts, but increasingly is being recognized for the quality of its wines.

 

 

The Wagner Family of Wine

 

Caymus Vineyards & The Wagner Family

 

The Wagners have roots in Napa Valley dating back to the 1850s, with a long family history of grape growing and winemaking.

 

In 1972, Chuck Wagner started Caymus Vineyards with his late parents, Lorna and Charlie Wagner Sr.  Working together for decades, they established Caymus Cabernet as one of the region’s most celebrated wines.  Today, Chuck continues to produce two world-renowned Cabernet Sauvignons, Caymus Napa Valley and Caymus Special Selection.

 

In addition, Chuck is head of winemaking for Bonanza, a California Cabernet Sauvignon that celebrates the endless discovery of vineyard land throughout the state.  He also produces Caymus-Suisun Grand Durif, a Petite Sirah from neighboring Suisun Valley.  A “hidden gem” wine region only a short drive from Napa, Suisun has become the Wagners’ second home, with exceptional growing conditions for a range of varietals.

 

Endless exploration of California and the next generation

 

Since Caymus Vineyards was founded, the Wagner family has worked with the soils and climate of Napa Valley to develop techniques for farming grapes and producing fine wine.  They are now applying those techniques to making a range of wines from other parts of California and beyond.  Their winemaking business remains entirely family-run, and two of Chuck’s children, Charlie and Jenny Wagner, now work alongside him.

 

Chuck, Charlie and Jenny all feel extremely fortunate to be spending their days exploring California in pursuit of making extraordinary wine, year after year and generation after generation.

 

Charlie Wagner

 

Charlie is the person behind Mer Soleil winery and vineyards in the Santa Lucia Highlands (within Monterey County).  Through his passion and vision, the drama and rugged beauty of California’s central coast are reflected in his wines.

 

Charlie also leads Conundrum, which was inspired in the late ‘80s by his grandfather’s experiments at the dinner table.  Mixing different varietals was unheard of back then, and Conundrum helped to ignite the now-popular blend category.  In addition, Charlie leads Red Schooner – which now includes two “Red Wines of the World,” a Malbec made from grapes grown in Argentina and a red blend made from grapes grown in Australia.

 

While Charlie produces more expensive wines, he also has a strong interest in making good wines at affordable prices.  Charlie launched Sea Sun, a $20 wine.  Reflecting the state’s unique landscape, Sea Sun offers both a Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from premier coastal regions, each holding broad appeal for a wide range of palates and pocketbooks.

 

Jenny Wagner

 

Coming from a long line of farmers and winemakers, Jenny Wagner inherited a love of farming, an eagerness to get her hands dirty and a willingness to push boundaries.

 

As owner and winemaker of Emmolo wines, Jenny has created a distinguished and singular style for her Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc and Sparkling.  She also oversees production of hillside Zinfandel along with several experimental varieties planted under the Caymus-Suisun label in Suisun Valley, including Italian, French and Greek varieties.

 

Emmolo is named after her maternal relatives, who arrived in Napa Valley from Sicily in 1923.  For many years, the Emmolos ran a rootstock nursery, providing grapevines to many of the area’s growers (including Jenny’s dad Chuck, who founded Caymus Vineyards with her grandparents in 1972).

 

In addition to Emmolo, Jenny recently launched Caymus-Suisun The Walking Fool, a red blend produced from nearby Suisun Valley.  Only a short drive from Napa Valley, Suisun shares a remarkably similar climate and exceptional growing conditions, and the region has quickly become the Wagner family’s second home.

 

The Walking Fool is named after a long-ago relative who was often seen traveling by foot, thus earning this affectionate moniker.  Featuring Zinfandel and Petite Sirah, this wine is smooth and lively, with juicy raspberry, notes of espresso and softly fine tannins.  The Walking Fool is the second of Caymus-Suisun’s flagship wines alongside Grand Durif.  Besides her winemaking, Jenny is actively involved in Suisun Valley, sitting on the board of the Suisun Valley Vintners and Growers Association.

 

Jenny feels extremely fortunate to be putting her mark on both The Walking Fool and her Emmolo wines, embracing new techniques in both the vineyard and her winemaking.