Caymus: The "Weekend at Bernie's" of Wine That We Love, Part 2

Let's be honest, there is no other wine that sparks frank and spirited debate like Caymus.  For many in the wine world, particularly among the younger, more "natural wine" leaning crowd, Caymus Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon has become the quintessential "boomer wine." It's the wine your dad (who drives a Porsche 911 with tan interior) buys by the case and sips by the pool while reading Investor's Business Daily , a staple at every steakhouse, and the wine that consistently delivers a certain, well, Caymus-ness.

But here's the thing: calling Caymus a "boomer wine" isn't just about an age demographic. It's about a certain vibe, a particular unchallenging reliability that, for some of us, conjures images of a beloved, slightly-past-its-prime cinematic classic: Weekend at Bernie's.

Think about it. In Weekend at Bernie's, our protagonists drag around a deceased playboy boss with a sprawling beach house known for killer parties, meticulously propping him up to create the illusion of life and keep the party going. It's absurd, it's a bit ridiculous, and yet, somehow, it works for the sake of the plot and provides a certain kind of escapism.   

And isn't that, in a bizarre way, a little like Caymus?

Caymus, with its consistently bold, fruit-forward profile, often high alcohol, and that signature hint of sweetness, isn't trying to be subtle. It's not aiming for delicate nuances or profound terroir expression that make the editors at Decanter salivate. No, Caymus is propped up, delivering a consistent, full-bodied experience that says, "Hey, the party's still on! Don't worry about complexity, just enjoy the ride."

For the wine snobs, it's a "dead" wine – manipulated, uninspired, lacking soul. They'll decry its alleged use of additives, its "bottled by" transparency (or lack thereof, depending on who you ask), and its sheer ubiquity. They'll argue it's the antithesis of everything "fine wine" stands for.  We have thoroughly documented these complaints in several blogs.  Google really likes this blog on Caymus complaints in particular.  

But for a vast swathe of wine drinkers, particularly those who grew up with it, or those who simply enjoy a big, juicy, unapologetic red, Caymus is the party. It's familiar. It's comforting. It's reliably palatable, even if it's not pushing any boundaries. It's the wine that doesn't demand too much thought, allowing you to focus on the conversation, the food, or simply the easygoing atmosphere of a casual gathering. Yay!

It’s the winemaking equivalent of a reliable, slightly predictable 80s blockbuster. You know what you're getting, and sometimes, that’s exactly what you want. It’s not about gravitas; it’s about a guaranteed good time.

So, while the wine world debates its merits and demerits, while sommeliers roll their eyes, and while younger generations seek out the latest natural wine craze from Etna, Caymus continues to thrive. It’s the wine that, like Bernie, keeps the weekend going, even if its vitality is more about consistent presentation than profundity. It's a reminder that not every wine needs to be a Cheateau Montelena; sometimes, a reliable, crowd-pleasing presence is all you need for a good time.