BlackBerry, Oak, Tobbaco aromas, chocolate, a bold Cabernet Sauvignon with really good quality — a year ago
Nose is vanilla ice cream and and raspberries. Tastes beautiful at first with more fruity raspberry and vanilla cream goodness. As it develops it gets drier and more leathery. Delicious. — 4 years ago
Really enjoying this wine. Very drinkable. Don’t know anything about Monastrell but would definitely drink more. For a $15 wine, this is great QPR! Drink this all day! — 7 years ago
Decent Merlot for its price range! An easy drink. — 8 years ago
Very dark with a robust taste. I would buy it again. — 7 months ago
On s’en va là l’automne prochain! C’est un 2018, belle maturité- fruits murs et belle longueur d’un vin corsé et complexe. — 2 years ago
Rich, enjoyable, would buy again — 5 years ago
Not very good at rating wines flavors or essence or whatever it is wine people do! But this tasted like drinking dark chocolate and raspberry! — 6 years ago
Nice. Fruit forward. Great mouth feel. — 7 years ago
Rich, round fruit. Totally a big boy with polished red fruit and tannin. — 8 years ago
Deep, dense red-purple hue. licorice, toasty oak, and subtle mocha notes. Dark fruits like blackberry and plum are noticeable, but it's more restrained than overtly fruity.
full-bodied, with sultry dark fruits (black cherry, plum), dark chocolate, licorice, and spice. Can’t wait for at least another 5 years before I try this again. Didn’t feel too you but feels like it will be better with age. — 8 months ago
Caymus Vineyards – Special Selection Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
Napa Valley, California – USA 🇺🇸
Overview
Caymus Special Selection is the flagship Cabernet, crafted only in exceptional years. The 2018 vintage stands tall among recent releases, showing why Chuck Wagner’s vision continues to shape Napa’s most recognized “luxury Cab.” 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, sourced from prime valley-floor vineyards, it strikes the perfect balance between Caymus’ signature ripe, fruit-forward style and an added layer of structure from a long, balanced growing season.
Aromas & Flavors
A powerful bouquet of ripe blackberries, cassis, and dark cherries, layered with cocoa nibs, espresso, and baking spices. Subtle hints of licorice, cedar, and vanilla lift the complexity, while a core of lush fruit drives the palate. The oak integration is seamless, giving a supple sweetness without overwhelming the fruit.
Mouthfeel
Rich, opulent, and velvety—yet with surprising finesse. The tannins are silky and well-structured, giving length without heaviness. The finish lingers on black fruit and mocha, balanced by just enough acidity to keep it vibrant.
Winemaking Notes
Meticulous fruit selection, long maceration for concentration, and extended aging in new French oak (18+ months). The Wagner hallmark: generous fruit expression wrapped in polished oak for immediate pleasure but with aging potential.
Food Pairing
An indulgent pairing with ribeye, prime rib, or braised short ribs. For a decadent twist, try it with dark chocolate truffles or roasted lamb with rosemary.
Verdict
One of the most impressive Caymus Special Selection vintages in recent memory—showing both lush Napa Valley opulence and refined elegance. A wine that thrills now but promises to shine for years.
Personal Pick Highlight
This 2018 stands as my favorite Caymus of the modern decade—a true benchmark that captures everything people love about Napa Cabernet at its richest and most expressive. Cheers!
— 9 months ago
9f delicious — 5 years ago
A little acidic but not bad with food — 7 years ago
Great for dessert, chocolate. Somewhat sweet. — 7 years ago
2015 bottling. I don’t really drink stuff like this much anymore but this was very well made and delicious. — 8 years ago
Lois Bloom
Wood Ranch yummy dinner on a very windy night before NY Eve, almost the end of 2025. Thanks to Mitch and Krista for Xmas gift card here. — 5 months ago