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!
— 2 months ago

"Odedi"

9.2

It's time for some Merlot on this #MerlotThursday. Let's bring Merlot back!

Dark ruby in color with reddish rim.

Fruity nose of black cherries, plums, currants, cedar, earth, vanilla, licorice, spices, tobacco, chocolates, coffee, herbs and peppercorn.

Medium plus in body with medium acidity.

Very dry on the palate with blackberries, plums, cherries, peppercorn, earth, pencil lead, dark chocolates, herbs and light vegetables.

Tangy finish with round tannins and tangy raspberries.

This 10 year old Merlot from Napa Valley is delicious. Nicely balanced, fruit forward and rich.

Peaking now and will continue to drink nicely in the next few years.

I had this vintage before, and this time I gave it a long decant (4 hours) to bring the tannins out. What a difference. Really enjoyed it.

Good by itself or with food. I paired it with Prime Rib, mashed potatoes and grilled vegetables.

14.1% alcohol by volume.

92 points.

$35. — 3 years ago

Sam

9.0

2011 Vintage. Black pepper and anise on the nose. Medium mouth feel with toasted nuts and anise on the tongue. Blackberry on the finish. I enjoyed the glass by itself. Would be better with prime rib. — 9 months ago

Henry Fuseler

9.2

2/2024. Nice bold cad full of flavor. Good fruit. Paired well with the prime rib at Hall’s Chophouse. — 2 years ago

Casey Curbow

Sales Associate Windsor Wine Merchants

9.1

Polished fruit & rhubarb against wild herbs. In a really good spot and perfect with prime rib & horseradish — 2 years ago

Leo Gentile

9.5

Deep purple with a hint of brick. Cassis and leather and meat in the nose. Pencil graphite cassis violet and a little tar. Rich jammy black fruit. Delicious. Serving with Prime grade rib roast. Sorry to have only one bottle — 3 years ago

Ryan Kravitz

10

Deep Deep Purple hue, some notes of cranberry very good used on Christmas Prime Rib and was savored for drinks awhile too would go back to — 10 months ago

Bob Rodgers

9.5

A mature 23 yr old with a cedar and cigar box nose. Silky smooth mouthfeel with well integrated tannins and a lingering warm finish. Perfect with our Valentines Day prime rib and chocolate dessert. — 2 years ago

Adam Kincaid

8.9

Always a solid Sonoma cab. Some anise and dark fruit, dark chocolate and anise. Slight bit of dill and vanilla. Drinks young, this could go for a bit longer. Good strong tannins but smooth enough to balance my prime rib. — 2 years ago

with Jillian

Ericsson

9.2

Pomerol: my favorite Bordeaux Appellation, by far. Solid! With so much life and time left in the bottle… Heck, I could pair this with prime rib eye and and it would cut the fat seamlessly. Yeah, this is outstanding, and will only get better and better, peaking in about four or five more years. Amazing prolonged intense tannic finish. Cheers. — 3 years ago