Bonanza The Vinekeeper Lot 1 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Dry, dark, round and fruit-driven. This is a full-bodied Cabernet with ripe fruit and a smooth texture. The nose shows dark berries and cocoa powder, with toasted oak and a hint of cinnamon. The palate brings ripe blackberry, juicy plum and cherry compote, with toasted vanilla. The acidity is bright and firm. The tannins are fine and textural, and the finish is smooth and lingering.

Bonanza is the label Caymus founder Chuck Wagner launched in 2019 to explore Cabernet from lesser-known California vineyard sites. The Vinekeeper series highlights a different area with each lot. Lot 1, the debut, comes from Napa Valley and pairs Napa ripeness with Wagner’s rich, approachable house style. It is a non-vintage Cabernet Sauvignon, bottled at 14.1% ABV in a 750 mL bottle.

Made to drink now, it needs no cellaring. Serve slightly below room temperature with burgers, barbecue or a weeknight steak.