Saturday night perfect pairing — 8 months ago
Bright, fresh, lot of energy. Perfect seafood complement — 3 years ago
Perfect with steak — 6 years ago
Bold citrus notes, good mix of bubbly and smooth. Parmesan, iron, sawdust, almond. Tart and good to drink. Enough tanins to not be too sweet and dry. Pleasant on the mouth for a beachy, summer's day. — 9 years ago
One of the best red i've had, well balanced with perfect complexity — 10 years ago
My favorite Sauvignon blanc - very fruity (citrus, tropical) without being overly sweet, which is perfect. Not as herbaceous/mineraly as Loire SBs. The 2014 vintage isn't as good, unfortunately.
— 11 years ago
Nothing better than rose on a hot summers day! — 13 years ago
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
Almost perfect. — 8 years ago
Pale salmon pink color. Bright strawberries, cherry and citrus on the nose. Slight spritz. Very clean and easy to drink. Perfect for summer. — 9 years ago
Absolutely amazing. Lots of good brett. Balanced and delicious. Great dark fruit aromas and flavors. So smooth. Medium high tannins and acidity. Perfect silky texture. A little funk on the nose and palate (positive). Aroma and flavors are out of this world. Leather bag full of cherries and raspberries. Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cinsault and Carmenere. Complex. Delicious 13.5% abv — 10 years ago
Easy drinking every day wine and at a bargain price at under $8 at Costco. — 11 years ago
If it wasn't perfect then I couldn't tell — 11 years ago
Sweet and Smokey. Loved this. Perfect mix of ripe dark fruits and kick. Great length. Half bottle. Awesome! — 7 months ago
Like peaches and cream. Perfect with food. Perfect on its own. Jean Georges. — 5 years ago
We chose this as our Thanksgiving wine. I thought it would be a little robust for turkey and ham, but it was just perfect. Everyone loved it. Great memory... — 6 years ago
Perfect 10 event. Balanced and elegant cabernet that is a bit fruitier than most. 2010 vintage. Would be delicious with food. Drinkable now but can age longer. Has a bit of new European quality. — 8 years ago
Perfect! Wish every bottle could age as this!! — 10 years ago

Great. Rich. Complex. Perfect balance of spice, fruit, and mineral. — 13 years ago
Matt Schwartz
Dried red fruits, baking spices, cedar, Price Albert tobacco, coco nibs, stewed tomato and leather. Maintains good acidity with softened tannins. A bit past its prime but still drinking well.
Perfect wine for watching the Las Vegas Grand Prix! — 6 months ago