Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.3

Close 2025 with a 375ml Grande Cuvée and my mother’s old fashion coffee cake. — 5 months ago

Tripp Cox

9.3

Great backup for Austin Hope — 6 months ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.4

1989 vintage. Opened but not decanted. Tasted after one hour open. More structure than the 1990 version tasted side-by-side but leaner with slight, vegetal tones, less fruit and better tannic structure than the 1990. Couldn't find this in my Delectable reviews but feel like I've tasted this once in the last 6 or so years. Apples (1990 version)/Oranges (1989). As with the 1990, the 1989 is in a good place for another few years in the 750ml format but if you want to truly visit a 35+ year old vintage at the height of its' powers, opt-in for a large format experience. 10.10.25. — 8 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!
— 9 months ago

Michael Lavely

9.3

My new favorite. Lots of fruit. Full body. — 8 years ago

Lenard Henson

9.7

Lenard had this 9 years ago

Matt Maese

9.5

I haven't had one of these in a few years. It's still amazing. Nice tannins, a little pepper, mineralogy, blackberry & leather. This is my wife's all time favorite wine. — 10 years ago

with Bill

Pete Faletto

9.5

My favorite red blend — 11 years ago

Magno González

9.2

'09 shed most of its baby fat and is at a good place right now. Pure Joy! — 12 years ago

Justin Manni

9.3

My favorite sparkling rose — 5 months ago

Stephen F Laga MD

9.6

I’ve had this in my personal cellar all these years. It was absolutely fantastic. Very smooth. No aftertaste. Had with prime rib for Christmas Eve dinner — 5 months ago

Joe DAscoli

9.5

2 hour decant. Shredded cork. Filtered the wine.

Wow. This was just gorgeous and smooth. Tannins very well integrated and the fruit was excellent.

One of my favorite vintages with some age — 8 months ago

Austin Hohnke

9.5

First time having the pleasure. Ok, I get it. Unctuous and thicc. Searching every corner of my palate for one more ethereal drop of elixir. Grilled peach and apricot drizzled with vanilla extract. Is that sugar I’m chewing on?
The money though? — 9 months ago

David Nicewicz

9.7

Birth year vintages are a roll of the dice but luckily I landed on a pretty solid classic - 1978. So for my birthday this year, we opened an LLC and wow was this perfect. The sommelier was surgical in removing the cork which split in half but he managed to extract it. The nose on this wine was a 10 - loads of cassis, licorice, dusty library and leather. Palate was extracted cassis, leather and great acidity and liveliness, just like my 44 year old self. It’s just pure magic when bottles this old perform - happy Friday everyone. — 4 years ago

Skip Smyser

9.5

This is a big RED that is drinking at its peak. Shared with my dear friend Gino who loved it. Cork fell apart on me but it didn’t detract from the marvelous tannins and minerality with lush red berries. — 7 years ago

Phillip Antley

9.1

Deep berries, smooth tannins that complement my NY Strip nicely! — 9 years ago

Chad Moroni

10

My favorite time of the year! — 9 years ago

Nury Wood

9.4

The first bottle my wonderful hubby and I shared all those years ago. Great then. Better now. Smooth and slightly tanen with a touch of dryness. — 11 years ago

with George

Charles Antin

Senior Wine Specialist/Auctioneer Zachys

9.0

Some of my favorite wines recently have been 80s Cali. — 12 years ago

with Christie's

Devin Healey

9.6

Saved this one for a special occasion. My goodness what a bottle. — 5 months ago

Eric Urbani

9.3

Still one of my fave producers of Rioja — 6 months ago

Jayna Fontenot

9.8

Smells supe light. Barely there honeysuckle, wisps of green apple. Tiny bubbles, fresh and clean and like if champagne were made of cloud. Delicious, and my first Dom! — 7 months ago

Ron R

9.5

This producer is in a class of its own.
No signs of maturity. Pure notes of saddle leather and oak on the nose. A pure expression of Bdx with balance and power. Mid palate displays mature cherries and a hint of olives. Grainy tannins play second fiddle to prominent acidity.
My mental shortcut here is; GET SOME!
Thanks Rick. — 8 months ago

with Andrew and Rick

Pooneet K

9.3

Delicious per usual. Last had 2 years ago and this is in a nice place. Perfect with skirt steak off the grill. A treat. — 10 months ago

Gareth Kitching

9.0

My old chap cried a single tear of gooey joy drinking this beauty. — 7 years ago

Ron R

9.3

Ethereal, in a great place now. Lovely poise and grace with a long tail. — 9 years ago

with Anne-marie

Morgan

9.0

One of my favorites. Big bold red. — 10 years ago

Nicole Stckman

9.1

One of my favorites. Has hints berry. — 11 years ago

Anthony Pro

9.4

My reaction to this wine was similar to the wine scene in the movie '17 again.' It's fucking beautiful. An absolute beast. Highly recommended. — 11 years ago