Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.5

If you like your champagne fresh, this still is and will get better over 5-8 yrs +.

It is fresh & lively on the palate. Excellent mousse. Meyer lemon to meringue, lime pulp w/ zest, green melon, white stone fruits, pineapple juice, mix of understated, barely ripe, honeydew/cantaloupe, frothed whole milk, sea spray, crumbled, moist chalkiness, grey volcanic minerals, white spice, some bread dough, yeast, baguette crust, touch herbaceous, yellow lilies, white flowers with greens mixed in, excellent acidity, nice structure/tension, elegant and smarty polished finish that lasts nearly two-minutes and falls spice & volcanics. — 20 days ago

Chris Zitzman

9.6

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

with Beth

Bernard Benninghoff

9.3

Great tasting Cab — 2 months ago

with Brenda

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. — 2 months ago

Dave

9.4

If someone had never tasted a Napa Valley Cab, I would happily pour this for reference. It's bold and great. I'm enjoying the balance of ripe, dark fruit with tasteful oak additions. There's a hint of eucalyptus, and pleasant leathery tannins. I personally would take this over Silver Oak or Heitz with my ribeye, and that's not just my wallet talking. $50 well spent.
Listening to Arctic Monkeys, again. — 2 days 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!
— 24 days ago

DelectableWino

9.1

Great cab. Dark fruit. Wish it was <$50 but it’s worth it. Soft tannins. Slight bit of olive brine finish which is fine — 23 days ago

Matt Waring

8.9

Really nice California Cab. Drinks lighter than the ABV. Tannins smooth and well integrated already. Black fruit, tar, licorice, ample vanilla oakiness that mellows out a little with time. Relatively accessible, relatively affordable, eminently enjoyable — 20 days ago

with Christine

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! — 2 months ago

Adam Bryant

8.9

Good for a moderately priced Cab. I like family owned and sustainable. — 3 months ago