Great example of Irish whiskey, mellow yet flavourful. Almost a syrupy mouthfeel, candy, a wee bite at the finish — 2 months ago
This seemed to be in a perfect spot showing red & black fruit, graphite, cedar, sweet savory spice, leather & tobacco — 9 days ago
Caymus Vineyards – Special Selection Cabernet Sauvignon 2013
Napa Valley, California – USA 🇺🇸
Overview
Special Selection is Caymus’ flagship bottling, the only wine to twice earn Wine Spectator’s “Wine of the Year.” The 2013 vintage comes from a benchmark Napa year—warm, consistent, and producing deeply concentrated fruit. 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, sourced from prime valley-floor sites, this wine showcases the Caymus hallmark: bold, plush, and fruit-driven Napa opulence.
Aromas & Flavors
Opulent blackberries, cassis, and baked blueberries, wrapped in layers of cocoa, espresso, and toasted vanilla. Secondary notes of licorice, sweet tobacco, and graphite add depth. With time in the glass, hints of cedar and leather start to show, signaling the early stages of graceful evolution.
Mouthfeel
Full-bodied and richly textured, almost velvet-like, with powerful yet polished tannins. The 2013 vintage delivers intensity and weight, but with balance—long, lingering finish loaded with ripe dark fruit and spice.
Winemaking Notes
Meticulous cluster selection, long maceration for depth, and extended aging in new French oak barrels (18+ months). Chuck Wagner’s hallmark style: unapologetically ripe fruit, creamy oak integration, and a seamless, approachable structure even in youth.
Food Pairing
A natural match for grilled ribeye, braised short ribs, or herb-crusted lamb. For a more indulgent pairing, try it with aged Gouda or truffle-infused dishes.
Verdict
A monumental vintage of Caymus Special Selection—ripe, hedonistic, and still showing youthful vigor more than a decade later. Built for aging, yet already a crowd-pleaser. A benchmark expression of Napa Cabernet’s luxurious side.
Personal Pick Highlight
2013 stands out as one of Napa’s greatest modern vintages, and tasting it now is like catching Caymus in its prime sweet spot: power meeting polish. Cheers! — a month ago
Dog Point Vineyard combines experience of Ivan and Margaret Sutherland & James and Wendy Healy. Ivan and James met while working at Cloudy Bay Vineyards. Light straw with typical SB aromas adding a touch of floral mineral notes. On the palate flavors of melon and grapefruit with citrus and honeysuckle notes, generous acidity, great mouthfeel with long finish ending with a salty spice character. Exceptional wine! — a month ago
A fine example of Pauillac from an overlooked vintage, the 2012 d’Armailhac (from half bottle) offers a potent punch of graphite, fresh black fruits, leather and cedar. The palate has ample concentration and good harmony, with flecks of sweet fruit leading to a long and gratifying finish. This is pure, precise Pauillac and in a beautiful spot at 13 years of age.
June 2025
94 — 3 months ago
League of Pretentious Gentlemen
This Cab is particularly nice. Sweet upfront, tapering to dryness with lots of character. Would purchase again. — 8 days ago