Tree Kilpatrick

9.0

Very hipster tattoo styled label. 52% Petite Verdot, 25% Cab Sauv, 23% Malbec. Dark, dark maroon color. Aroma is gravel and molasses. Maybe a hint of berry. Flavors are beefy and big. Lots of dried black cherry. Some molasses. Tannins are well represented. Has that classic Matchbook herbal streak. This went well with the lamb and mushroom dish I made. A great blend. Lots of zip and zing. Delicious. — 4 months ago

Norman

9.1

It’s Hawaii. Drink it when you can. — 5 months ago

Carmen

9.0

Fun and fresh blend of Valdiguié, Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Carignan and Tannat — 6 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

Perry Atha

9.2

Wonderful Zin- enjoying the 2013 vintage- hint of tobacco - pairing with Salmon - Brisket- will definitely try again — 4 years ago

Robert B

9.2

Heavier tasting Pinot. Enjoyed very much. — 4 years ago

Chris Wheaton

9.5

Very early to drink this one but wow! Purple and savory with plum/olive notes. Some nice acidity and present tannins. Check back in ten years or so… — 4 months ago

Doug Griffin

9.0

Not sure, I think it’s a bit maderized. However still giving some grippy tannins, rich cherry, vanilla and wood…375 ml. Kind of played out — 5 months ago

Alexandre Pagliano

9.4

Very light pale yellow robe, nose of orchards, limestone and a hint of honeysuckle. Very fresh and rich in the mouth, with lemon zests and mineral notes. Very long. A pleasure now, but hold your breath. A great Dom. Impressive how each year they get it right ! — 7 months ago

with Jamie, Jose and 2 others

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! — 9 months ago

Jenks

9.2

Paired with nothing. Madeira is the desert. — 3 years ago

Dennis Hogenkamp

9.2

13.5% ABV Salute to Lulu Peyraud of Domaine Tempier in France. Lulu’s father owned the vineyard , and she along with her husband took it over. Sadly we lost her in October 2020 at the age of 102 y/o. This is a blend of old vine Mataro and Grenache. Light salmon color, watermelon initially , later apple. Very nice! — 4 years ago

Matt Konopka

9.0

Great drinker — 5 years ago

Thomas

8.9

This is a nicely tasty red wine with steak. Smooth drinking. — 5 months ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.2

2018 vintage. Decanted and tasted after 1.5 hours. Medium body. Excellent, dark color. Some leaner fruits balanced with earth and spices. On the prettier side of the ledger currently. 1.2.26. — 5 months ago

Todd Anderson

9.5

I think this is worth seeking out if you're a CA Syrah fan. Great dirt and "pepper" (my first btl where I said "I get this pepper thing") with a nice balance of mature fruit. Drinking really nice right now. Enjoy! — 6 months ago

Jack Krawczyk

9.6

Still high acid, rich ripe red fruits with a hint of mushroom. Silky. — 8 months ago

PM

9.2

Bedrock wines don’t disappoint. Pagani Ranch Heritage is a classic Bedrock. — a year ago

Lee Pitofsky

9.4

The first couple times I tried 08 I was definitely too quick to judge. It needs a ton of air, and it’s different from the rich, oxidative, nutty house style of the past, particularly the warm and ultra forward 2006, the previous release. 2008 is indeed young, tightly wound with a pulsating core of energy.

The first glass offers very little. Subdued, austere and youthfully reserved. But ensuing pours eventually unleash its core of powerful clean orchard fruit, coffee bean and grilled nuts. On the palate it continues to become so much more textural with crazy gains in weight, depth and fruit intensity as the night goes on. It really fills the mouth, saturating the palate with a satin-like texture, ripping citrusy acids and saline laced minerals that follow deep into its finish. Enjoyable now with enough air (needs 2 hours), but no doubt one to hold. To live forever. — 3 years ago

Gabby

9.4

Excellent cab sauv to end wine night!. I was pretty drunk by now. Red fruit, spice, vanilla. $65 — 5 years ago