Attendees at the prestigious 5-star Graycliff restaurant enjoyed an exclusive evening for the signature ‘Fifty Vintages of Caymus’ wine pairing dinner. The evening’s celebration featured the winery’s 50th-anniversary vintage- the 2022 Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon, specially flown in for this occasion.
The perfect combination of wines produced by the renowned Wagner Family, Mer Soleil Chardonnay, Emmolo Sauvignon Blanc, Emmolo Merlot, and the legendary Caymus Cabernets, paired with six courses, left a genuine appreciation of the family’s variety of wines, not to mention the stellar dishes selected by Graycliff owner Enrico Garzaroli.
Since 1972, the Wagner family has produced wines in limited quantities, and they are best known for their Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignons. “Rich and round on the palette, with tannins expressed in a textural manner that are non-bitter. Evidence of French oak, but not overplayed. Acidity enough for balance;, but not tart to the palate. The Caymus style allows the consumer to face no hurdles in tasting and enjoying the delicious essence of the wine,” wrote wine critic John Bonné.
“The evening was truly exceptional, and the expertise of sommelier Kyle Stubbs was unparalleled,” praised attendee Delmaro Duncombe. “His tasting notes were spot on, and his knowledge of the wine varieties was impressive. I eagerly anticipate the next event.”
Duncombe appreciated trying new wines, such as the Mer Soleil Chardonnay, which accompanied the Traditional Italian Bruschetta, and the citrus blends in the Emmolo Sauvignon Blanc, which artfully enhanced the Graycliff Signature Bahamian Crawfish Salad.
Stubbs shared, “The Mer Soleil Chardonnay has a nice creamy buttery texture. The Wagner family uses two fermentations, with the second one eliminating some harsher acids and replacing them with lactic acid—which gives the dairy-like sensations combined with fruit character—offering a round and powerful chardonnay, with slightly elevated alcohol levels.”
He also touched on the Emmolo Sauvignon Blanc. “Although California’s Sauvignon Blancs tend to be rich with fruit and tropical fruit, this style balances New Zealand’s crisp citric aromatic serving of Blancs and France’s mineral-driven Sauvignon Blancs – but the warmth of climate offers enough ripeness in the fruit. Food driven with some of the classic aromas of citrus, lime lemons, and orange peels, with some hints of minerality in 100% steel, so there won’t be any oak or oak influences. However, we can get all of the minerality and zestiness from a Southern State like California,” added Stubbs.
The 2019 Emmolo Merlot was paired with a succulent Cornish Hen stuffed with Wild Rice. “This Merlot is a full and complex mellow style with an excellent combination of red and dark fruits developed from the warmth in California. It’s complex, with a bit of ageing oak interaction, offering some spice notes. It’s enjoyable, and there is a full mouthfeel, with the lasting finish often confused with a California-style Cab,” added this sommelier.
“Caymus is particularly renowned for its Cabernet Sauvignon, which often features rich, bold flavours and a smooth finish. The vineyard’s distinct terroir in Napa Valley contributes to the wine’s unique character,” states the winery. Christy and Marc Butler agreed that the newly released 2022 Caymus California Cabernet along with the Short Ribs Ravioli with Brown Butter Sauce Amaretto were among their favourite pairings.
The 2022 Caymus 50th-anniversary vintage was paired with Beef Tagliatta with Lyonnaise Potatoes, followed by a dessert of Banana Bread with Mango Sorbet infused with Melon Vodka.
It was an exquisite evening of chatter and top-notch service in an intimate setting of the 18th-century restaurant where strangers departed as friends. Bristol Wine and Spirits offers wine pairing dinners, which are ideal for novices or enthusiasts to discover and enjoy a variety of wines and extraordinary meals. Gricelle Richmond, brand manager for Caymus Vineyards, advised that a special offer is available to those who purchased the $250.00 ticketed event – and that an introductory discount for the Anniversary wine will be available to the public in late October 2024. Caymus wines are a favourite at Graycliff.
Source: Azaleta Ishmael-Newry
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