Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.6

I think if you read this nonsense I post, you know how I feel about this producer, past & present. This 07 is outstanding & top of its bell curve. It is so good to revisit these great vintages of Caymus Classic.

This is fresher than the 97. It is rich/lush, cassis to currents, ripe, blackberries, black raspberries, black plum, raspberries & strawberries. Dark chocolate, mocha, classic, beautiful, Caymus Classic spice that I miss dearly in their new wines, black licorice, fudge, clove, cinnamon, nutmeg & vanillin, most top soil, limestone, dry herbs, dry tobacco, barrel shavings, taut leather, volcanic grey clay, dark, fresh & slightly withering flowers, violets, beautiful round acidity, balance, structure, nice tension and elegant finish that last minutes and falls on spice and evoluted earth tones.

This bottle is in fine shape. Still strong and will last another 10 years of fine drinking. Phenomenal vintage and time to enjoy. — 6 months ago

Nick Arensdorf

8.9

Muddled dark cherries and blackberries, maybe currant(?), tobacco leaves, subtle licorice. Somewhat astringent/tannic, not as balanced as I’d expect. *used coravin on bottle about 2 weeks prior before opening, may have influenced* — 9 months ago

Jonathan Wall

9.1

2003. Last bottle was 3 years ago, and this one I liked better. Starts out austere with evidence of a difficult hot year. But after hours in the decanter it cycled thru some almost port like caramelized tapenades and ended the evening with a somewhat strange but delicious red crème brûlée thing. So if you have one… I suggest patience thru the awkward opening hours to get to the awkward good part. Cheers. — 4 years ago

Jon Bergqvist

9.7

Top shoulder. Got the cork out in one piece. Absolutely perfect bottle with a lot left to give. Thick balsamic fruit, soft tannins, integrated oak, fresh acidity, everything in absolute balance. In a way almost perfect on the verge of lacking a bit of personality, but only almost. This has 10 years of life ahead of it but No reason to wait. — 6 years ago

Mark Freund

9.4

Showing terrific now. Better than last bottle opened 2 years ago. Honeyed richness, good length. Shows class joy would expect from the house. — 10 years ago

with Erin and Ned

Paul Stefani

9.3

The oak has subsided since the last time I've opened a bottle. Black current and blackberry blend well through a nice finish with integrated tannins. — 11 years ago

Ira Schwartz

9.5

Keeps going from strength to strength.
One can easily be fooled by this champagne’s light texture but make no mistake about it, this packs a punch! Similar to my previous bottle in 2023 but with more power, .Almost too easy to drink. — 7 months ago

John Van Trijp

9.6

Not a perfect bottle — 9 months ago

Jonathan Wall

9.2

Pretty.
Glassy Cherry leather stone.
Too pretty. Could use some more personality as it matures. Half bottle. — 9 months ago

Eric

9.2

Floral, strawberries, gorgeous finish for those not looking for yeasty-ness. 1/2 bottle consumed at The Townhouse in Greenwich. — 4 years ago

Ben Atash

9.5

9 y/o non-sulfite bottle stored impeccably. What a difference since my last tasting a few years ago. This is cruising at its peak. Soft tannins. Earthy complexity. Trademark garnet color persists, but red fruit subdued and mature. Proof that Marcel was the king of Beaujolais. — 7 years ago

with Elise

David L

8.9

04' Black pungent fruit. Roasted chocolates, toasted oak, hint of mint, long blah, blah, finish. Complexity is somewhat lacking. The wife's book club… Perfect! A nice bottle ...they'll have another😉 — 10 years ago

Davis Smith

Sommelier Acquerello

9.7

Bottle of the Night: Cigar, brambly dark fruit, full midpalate, long finish. THIS is what Napa Cabernet with age can do. — 13 years ago

Christian Fischer

9.0

Last bottle. Time to drink is now, don’t think this will improve from here. Needed a bit of air to come together, but overall remained somewhat muted. — 7 months ago

Christian Fischer

9.4

I was going through my La Chapelle section today and my eyes got stuck on this 1999 - bottle looked absolutely pristine and I decided it was a perfect age to drink. Cork was in great condition and the wine was powerful and youthful with no signs of oxidation. Could have kept the bottle for a few more years, but it was probably perfect today. All the complex leathery earthy goodness you expect from this wine was there. — 9 months ago

Paul K

9.1

Glad I picked up a bunch of these from Costco a few years ago. Great value! Looking forward to enjoying for the next few years. Don’t think this is a long term lay down but over next five years a great mid week bottle. — 3 years ago

LM Segal

9.5

Stunning nose of brambly dark red fruit and black tea. Bacon fat and scorched clay on the entry followed by a broad beam of melted tannins and fig, iron, Provençal spices and lavender. 45+ second finish. Outstanding, another great bottle though now at its apogee (but likely to stick around and turn to burgundy over time). — 5 years ago

Marc vanholst

8.9

Unfortunately this bottle has had its best time. Still ok but not tops. — 7 years ago

Karla Henderson

9.7

Really enjoyed a bottle at the Ore House in Durango. Sunday being 1/2 price bottle night made it all the more enjoyable. — 11 years ago

Jason Gallo-Gaffner

9.5

Made 2004 Dom taste like andre 😭😭😭. Was a half bottle and an older GC. Mostly 1997 vintage 👌👌👌 — 11 years ago