Cameron Parry

9.2

Took about 2 hours to open. Dark & dried cherries. Acid still nice and firm. Tannins still going strong but clearly softer and more fine grained. Feels somewhat unbalanced - good acid, good tannin, not enough fruit. May have missed the optimal window. Still very enjoyable. Only a touch of Brett. — 5 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.5

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!
— 8 months ago

Steve S.

9.2

This is a pretty damn good fruit forward Zin. Full of lush dark red berries. — 2 years ago

GaryWEdwards

9.5

Big, full blend that is cab lead, both sav and franc with the former the dominant. Deep dark berry with a soft leathery thing going. If you guests like a big wine, this is the ticket. This vintage needed little coaxing to be ready. — 4 years ago

Rob

9.0

I’ve said it before. Really enjoy Justin because you always know what you’re going to get. Bold cab, even better a few days later — 5 years ago

Delectable Wine

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9.8

The 2008 Dom Pérignon is once again stunning. More than anything else, I am surprised by how well the 2008 drinks given all the tension and energy it holds. Then again, that is precisely what makes 2008 such a unique vintage – namely that the best wines are so chiseled and yet not at all austere. Lemon peel, almond, mint, smoke and crushed rocks are all finely sculpted, but it is the wine’s textural feel, drive and persistence that elevate it into the realm of the sublime. The 2008 will be even better with time in the cellar, but it is absolutely phenomenal even today, in the early going. Three recent bottles have all been nothing short of magnificent. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, July 2019)

— 7 years ago

Ray Roman

9.0

Really enjoyed this wine. Smooth and as others have said, fruit forward. — 6 months ago

Mark Osmers

9.1

Consistently excellent Bordeaux-style red blend
(Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Malbec, and Cabernet Franc)
Fruit forward cherry, plum, blackberry, with a nice oakey finish
— 7 months ago

Ming L

9.1

A Petite Sirah leading blend by Merryvale. Luscious fruits with fine balance. Nice label.

Prior notes applied. Drink up. — 9 months ago

ESF

9.0

So solid, year in year out - I know they make a ton of this, and yes it’s at Costco, but when you’re looking for a reliable Zin, this is it. Bordering on being too fruit forward - this barely checks the box for secondary aromas & flavors. Balanced harmonious with intermediate aging potential. Try to find their single vineyard offerings. — 2 years ago

Nicolas Greinacher

9.0

I remember this wine being quite fruit forward upon release. Almost 20 years later, it opens with notes of dried and slightly cooked red fruits, leather, tobacco, earth and a dash of vanilla. On the palate, the 2001 Château Cos d'Estournel has a surprisingly sweet flavor profile and good concentration. The tannins are well integrated and take a backseat to the fruit. Although miles away from the quality level of recent vintages, the 2001 is still quite enjoyable. Drink now. — 3 years ago

Nathan Renfro

9.0

A bit different than previous FN vintages. This one less fruit forward, a bit more acidic, and tannins really tight. This one is obviously very young, but still tighter than previous vintages. Black and blue fruit come through, with some wet stone, vanilla, and licorice. Needs more time in the cellar. — 5 years ago

Bret Barker

9.7

Dear diary- I wish I owned more of this bottle. Wow what a wine. So much going on with very smooth tannins and a long finish. Mixture of chocolate, vanilla, black currant and minerals. Touch of earthiness and bit of leather. A lot going on but it all comes together beautifully. Pure awesomeness. — 8 years ago

Sid Dhar

9.5

We had the 2013 back to back with the 2015 over Thanksgiving. While the 2013 is much better, the 2015 was no laggard. Lots of berries, casis, spices and earthy tobacco notes. A bit fruit forward but complex nonetheless. Big thumbs up — 6 months ago

Lisa McKinnon

9.1

Light tannins, somewhat fruit forward, reminded me of a Meritage. Good with filet. — 8 months ago

Jan A

9.5

Really looked forward to this one, but a little bit too rich to warrant higher score. Missing the acidity/tension a bit.
Edit: and it was served too warm.. — a year ago

Alessandro Dalle Carbonare

9.8

So elegant Montrose. It builds up an epic journey in the aftertaste. Rich and opulent as usual but with a fine touch of incredible level.
Softer extraction resulted on a fruitier, more sapid and rounder wine than usual. It feels it’s going to be approachable in its youth. — 2 years ago

Scott Kahn

9.1

Coming from a hot vintage this wine was a bit more fruit forward than typical. Tar and cassis on the palette complemented the nose of a damp forrest floor. A nice albeit not great drink! — 4 years ago

C. Cole

9.4

Second bottle of the evening and… wow. Such a beautiful wine to close out the night. Dark berries, licorice, spices… hold up to the richest desserts, yet it’s light enough to dance on the tongue. Looking forward to seeing how the other, slightly younger bottles develop. — 5 years ago

Skip Smyser

9.4

If you’re going to watch the National Football Championship, you better bring a real deal wine and this is the REAL DEAL! So young but so we’ll structured. Deep rich tannins. Great mouth feel and a Marvelous nose. Will improve for years!🍷🍷🍷🍷 — 6 years ago