Neil Valenzuela

9.4

A nice comparison of French St. Julien and French winemaker, in the US with a Napa Cab.
The 1972 vintage was one of the legendary five Cabs selected for the 1976 Paris Tasting.

This 1975, had a deep garnet color with a brick rim. Loads of blackberry on the nose, casis and earthy notes. Fruit forward, black fruit and plum dominate, nice tannins. This wine definitely evolved through the evening.

Previous Notes Apply to the 75 St Julien:
Deep ruby color. Aromas of red fruit, leather and earthy notes. Amazing flavors, blackberry, black currant, tobacco and baking spices.

🏅92 Points - Decanter — 2 months ago

with Quentin

Chip Habegger

9.1

Could be a 9.2 but I had it at a steakhouse and the Cali Cab - Filet combo makes all’s those wines taste better. Even without the 2+2=5 taste combo was still smooth, darkly fruited, and great. — 4 months ago

Erica Gamble

8.9

After breathing, smooth with some body but a little more tart than we prefer for a cab. — 8 months ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.2

Mid 20th century fashionable country resort, popular with Hollywood due to 1892 stone Manor House & historic gardens. Blend of Cab Sauv, Merlot, Malbec, rest other Rhone varieties, aged 20 months in 37% new French oak. Dark Ruby, aromas of ripe berry fruits, herbs & spice. On the palate flavors of cherry and black currant with vanilla oak and earthy notes. Well balanced, fine tannins long finish ending with fruit, espresso notes and sweet spice! Nice now and will drink well over next decade. — 9 months ago

Alyssa Hague

9.0

Napa valley cab from Stacy and Clay. Good, full bodied, a touch of sweetness but not too much. — 3 years ago

Neal Ferry

8.9

Dry, fruit forward, bold, round Cab — 4 years 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!
— 3 months ago

Bernard Benninghoff

9.3

Great tasting Cab — 5 months ago

with Brenda

Chris Ng

9.2

Notes of leather and dark fruits on the nose, very smooth on the palette. A lovely cab I can drink all day long. — 8 months ago

Lisa McKinnon

9.2

Hugo’s Cellar has a great wine list! This one is a more fruit forward Cab, but not one that overpowers filet. — 9 months ago

Ericsson

9.3

New vintage for me. This estate Cab always delivers, even on what some may call off vintages. — 10 months ago

Laurice Mora

9.6

Laurice had this 4 years ago

David S. Lopez

9.1

I loved this Washington cab. It pours a dark rust red. The fruit is full with cherries and raspberries. The finish is short and not notable. But besides that I thought it was outstanding. This is beyond just a daily drinker. It accompanied the prime New York steak we had with it very well. On sale at Pavilions it was a steal for $10. — 6 years ago

Chris Zitzman

9.6

Simply remarkable- as it should have been for the $$$. Top notch Cali Cab. — 7 years ago

with Beth

Sipping Fine Wine

9.8

Blend of Cab Sauv, Petit Verdot, & splash of Merlot; estate-owned vineyards Rutherford, Napa, St. Helena & Stag's Leap District. Just opened, 14 years in the bottle after couple of years in the barrel! Still tasting well, young & juicy, should easily last another decade, but nice now. Deep Ruby, dark fruits, spice, complex nose. Palate reflects juicy rich berry fruits, well structured harmonious wine. Fine soft rich tannins, long finish ending with fruit, tobacco and earthy tones. Wow! — 4 months ago

Adam Bryant

8.9

Good for a moderately priced Cab. I like family owned and sustainable. — 6 months ago

Lee Pitofsky

9.6

Liquid gold with age or without! 2014 en double magnum 💛 — 7 months ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.5

2005 vintage. From magnum. Tasted after 3 hours open. Light-medium body. Drought earth. Coffee grounds. Espresso crema. Dark plum skins. Drinking excellent but like a Napa cab a decade older. And from a magnum!?!? Was expecting a bit more of a delicate fruit presence. Oh well. It was a full moon. 04.11.25. — 8 months ago

Traci

9.2

💪👍 Big, bold cab. Nice. — 2 years ago

Marc Chiapperino

9.1

Really Nice Cab that does not disappoint. Fragrant nose, silky smooth. Could certainly have sat for 10 more years. — 4 years ago