July 25, 2023
Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon was far and away the most consumed wine of 2022 among the website’s users, according to CellarTracker. This is no surprise, as the bold and juicy wine is often considered the epitome of the Napa Cab category and, to some extent, U.S. fine wine as a whole. This is because Caymus represents what many people look for in a Napa wine — bold, jammy fruit flavors, prominent notes from oak aging, and a recognizable, well-regarded name that can impress.
For some, there is no better way to say “I know something about wine and have disposable income,” than popping a bottle of $100 Caymus in front of a crowd (whether in real life or on Instagram). But while Caymus is no doubt one of the most popular wines to gift or open on a special occasion for American consumers, the brand has received its fair share of criticism from some wine professionals and enthusiasts who poke fun at its ubiquity on the market. Its plush, oak-forward style also continues to fall out of favor as new consumers opt for lighter-bodied reds.
Nonetheless, there is still a high demand for the big, full-bodied wines with prominent flavors of vanilla, baking spices, and cocoa from the oak influence. And while you can snag a bottle of Caymus at just about any major retailer, it’s nice to branch out and try new things. Whether you’re looking for a bottle that can deliver the same concentrated flavor profile at a lower price point or just looking to switch it up, there are a lot of worthy alternatives out there.
The wines below all have the intense fruit-forward and oaky characteristics of Caymus, and are also generally ready to drink upon release like Caymus is. They also have reputable names and long legacies in their respective regions. So if you’ve given a bottle of Caymus to the same person for their birthday one too many times or want to try something new at your next dinner party, try these eight alternatives.
Pursued By Bear Cabernet Sauvignon
There’s no denying that there’s a certain level of posturing behind many Caymus purchases, so if you’re buying a bottle to impress your peers, you may consider an attention-grabbing celebrity label. Pursued By Bear is a Washington-based wine brand from Kyle Maclachlan of “Twin Peaks” fame. The winery’s Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon has all of the brambly fruit flavors of Caymus, and is sure to be a conversation starter with guests.
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