Very fruit forward with a hint of oak. Aged. — 7 hours ago
What a superb wine, first and foremost. Just so beautiful and powerful. A deep, dark burgundy color in the glass. The nose is pure and alive with cherries and blackberries initially. Oak, as ever, along with a slight hint of vanilla and earth. Really pretty floral notes which accentuates the total package.
Terrific depth and balance here. Every now and again Napa reminds you of what it can really be. Very modern and elegant with so much personality. Everything here is restrained and refined. The fruit on the palate is dramatic and fresh. Vibrant red fruit with the customary woodsy elements. A touch of tobacco and well integrated smoke just for good measure. The finish is long and lusty and leaves you wanting more. Made for the long run for sure but so delicious now. A true gem of a wine. — 23 days ago
In a wonderful spot. — 5 months ago
Ripe, polished, round, suave, definitely not an old school Petite Sirah but a super modern style, undeniably VERY tasty, but struggling a bit with reconciling the flavor and particular the structural style with 1970s/1980s Petite Sirah, I’m confused?!?! — 12 days ago
Jonathan’s 40th birthday wine, also 40 years old. Martha’s Vineyard 1984. Another old classic California Cabernet that won’t quit. Good cork, savory and aromatic, a fine old wine indeed! — 14 days ago
Scored well in small Cab tasting. — 8 days ago
Enjoyed at Alexander’s Steakhouse — 15 days ago
At our second special Caymus dinner on Sky Princess serving this wine. I’ve had lots of Caymus wines over the years. This is in line with the brand, but not what I remember from the wines from the late 70’s. As the price increased, I lost interest. It’s ok, but I feel there are better wines at the price point for the Cabernet Sauvignon. — a month ago
Annual birthday WWC hosting. As normal, 1 sparkler, 3 whites, 4 reds, 1 dessert, all presented blind.
Here we are six years after my last ‘88 Montelena and I’m looking at my old review as if I wrote it about this current bottle! So bright and lively. Gorgeous deep ruby color (darker than the ‘88 Leoville Barton). There is a Christmas spice (maybe more mint-driven) aromatic with bing cherries and floral notes. Red fruit to the core with some spiced blackberries, earthy/herbal savoriness, great acidity and a snappy/youthful finish. Cedar and espresso. Held strong over a few hours open. Not falling off a cliff, but don’t miss this window if you have some! — 22 days ago
Wow, an impressive wine. Better the 2nd day when it opened up. Yummy. — 4 days ago
Port like raisiny taste, peppery, rich, moderate tannins. — 16 days ago
Had to try it. Used to love their work prior to 2012. After that, their style changed to picking at higher brix levels thus creating a much sweeter profile. SS was one I’d hoped they’d left alone and they did not. Not quite as sweet as their regular Cabernet but sweeter than before. I made the pitch to the property to make Caymus Classic along side their new sweeter style wines. The 94 Special Selection was one of their best. — a month ago
Happy to be back on the map. Great lil Napa Cab, oak and smooth tannins, would definitely drink again. Thanks to Stephan for the hook up. Yankees win doesn’t hurt either 😎 — a month ago
RJ Stefanski
I’ve now had 3 consecutive vintages (‘20-‘22) of this iconic Chardonnay, and even with the hefty price tag, it has always delivered. Big and bold but I wouldn’t say buttery, tropical fruit salad, exceptional balance with great acidity and a long, high end finish. One of those rare times when the hype is deserved. $70-$75 — 22 days ago