Buyer Beware: Spotting Counterfeit Caymus Wines

Two years ago, I was stunned to come across some particularly egregious examples of what appeared to be counterfeit vintage Caymus wines being offered online, complete with equally unbelievable four-digit price tags. This incident, which occurred with a listing from a store in Southern California, highlights a crucial need for vigilance when purchasing rare or sought-after wines, both vintage and modern.

The most glaring red flags I observed involved supposed "vintage" Caymus offerings. For instance, there were listings for 1970 and 1971 Caymus Napa and Special Selection Cabernet Sauvignons. Here's the critical piece of information that makes these offers immediately suspicious: Caymus Vineyards first released its wines in 1972! This brings to mind the silly errors drug runners pull, like sending mules in cars with busted taillights, making them easy targets for police patrols. Adding to the deception, there were also "Special Selections" offered that predated 1975, and even a 1977 vintage which, again, was never produced by Caymus. 

At the time, we made a phone call to the store in Southern California, which, it seems, no longer exists. They explained that the listing was a mistake, so we'll give them the benefit of the doubt. However, this scenario serves as a powerful reminder for all wine buyers.

Why is this happening, and what should you look for?

Counterfeiters target popular and high-value wines because of the potential for significant profit. Caymus, with its superb reputation and dedicated following, is unfortunately a prime target. Here are some key takeaways and tips for spotting fakes, applicable to both vintage and modern Caymus:

• Know Your Vintages: This is perhaps the most critical defense. Research the winery's history and production records. As we've seen with the vintage Caymus examples, a quick check of release dates can immediately expose a fraud. For Caymus specifically, remember their first vintage was 1972. Any bottle claiming to be from before then is a fake.

• Scrutinize the Labeling: Counterfeit labels often have subtle (or not-so-subtle) inconsistencies. Look for:

  • Font and Typography Errors: Are the fonts consistent with genuine bottles? Is the spacing off?

  • Misspellings: Even a single typo is a massive red flag.

  • Print Quality: Blurry images, pixelation, or poor color saturation can indicate a fake.

  • Bottle Shape and Closure: While harder to discern from an online image, familiarize yourself with the typical bottle shapes and cork/closure types used by the winery for different vintages.

• Be Wary of "Too Good to Be True" Deals: While a four-digit price might seem high, if it's for a truly rare and authentic vintage, it could be legitimate. However, when combined with other red flags, an exorbitant price for a non-existent wine is a clear sign of a scam. Conversely, a price that seems significantly lower than market value for a sought-after wine should also raise suspicions.

• Check Provenance (Source): Where is the wine coming from? Reputable auction houses and trusted retailers (we only buy directly from distributors with contracts with suppliers) often have strict provenance checks. Be extremely cautious when buying from unverified online sellers or unknown sources.

• Research the Seller: Before making a purchase, especially of a high-value item, research the seller thoroughly. Look for reviews, their history, and any red flags from other buyers.

The unfortunate reality is that counterfeit wines are a persistent problem in the market. By educating ourselves and exercising a healthy dose of skepticism, we can better protect ourselves from falling victim to these deceptive practices. Always do your homework, trust your instincts, and when in doubt, it's always best to pass on a suspicious offer. Your palate and your wallet will thank you.  And, remember, Caymus did not start making wine until 1972!