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!
— a year ago

Victoria Berry

9.0

Bright berry flavour, slightly dry finish — 4 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.4

I corvined this last weekend and put it back in storage for tonight. I had a very different experience & thoughts on this wine last weekend un-decanted. This is wine comes from a period when I loved Caymus. After 2011 when they started picking later and at higher brix’s, they lost me but, got higher Parker scores and rave words from people that like sweeter Cabernet that drinks young.

Last weekend without a decant, very dominate bright cherries and vanilla.

Tonight, the nose reveals, dark, slightly syrupy currants/cassis, blackberries, dark cherries, creamy, black raspberries, blueberries, black plum with lots of skin dominate, baked strawberries, black licorice, vanilla, some clove and a touch nutmeg, underbrush, dry crushed rocks, dry top soil, volcanic minerals, black tea, touch of black coffee expresso, liqueur/dark berry cola, used leather, hints of graphite with ruby, fresh, dark, fresh, dark, red, blue florals with violets.

The body is full, sexy, gorgeous and voluptuous. The structure, tension, length and balance are at the start of its high point with another 7-10 years of good drinking ahead. Dark, slightly syrupy currants/cassis, blackberries, dark cherries, creamy, black raspberries, blueberries, black plum with lots of skin dominating, baked strawberries, black licorice to deep anise, vanilla, some clove and a touch nutmeg, caramel, mocha, dark chocolate, dark spices with just a touch of palate heat, underbrush, used leather, dry crushed rocks, dry top soil, volcanic minerals, black tea, touch of black coffee expresso, liqueur/dark berry cola, used leather, hints of graphite with ruby, fresh, dark, fresh, dark, red, blue florals with violets. The acidity is like a needed waterfall shower. The long finish is, deep, dark, well balanced, elegant, ruby, ripe, polished and persists endlessly.

It’s been awhile and I’ve missed it. This is a very good example of why I used to adore Caymus. — 7 years ago

Raj

9.3

I drank this after using an aerator. Immediately scent of braised beef and fresh rubber on the nose. Meaty flavor on the way down. Truly is best wine under $5 at TJ's — 10 years ago

Jim Sikes

9.0

Thick with substantial tannins. Lots of flavor and modest fruit. Dark color and a good finish. Good with anise scented smoked pork ribs. — 10 years ago

Lauren Fowler

9.4

Just beautiful. A touch of American oak. Vanilla. Perfect companion for Christmas dinner. — 11 years ago

Quinn Solfisburg

9.5

Stony creek. Blacksmiths like. ESP Anna. — 12 years ago

Rhys Thomas

9.7

Really good reasonable wine- £12 at waitrose — 13 years ago

Ken F

9.2

Good on Debbie bday party — a year ago

Peter Heyboer

9.0

Jammy dark fruit, some barrel aromas and flavors. Pretty complex and enough tannin to keep you from getting overwhelmed. Great sipper for the price point! Would buy again. — a year ago

with Matthew, Ethan and 2 others

Scot Walker

9.1

Candied fruit in the nose with blackberry jam, plums and candied fruit in the palate. — a year ago

William Hughes

9.2

Seventy-five plus year vines make me happy. Plenty of acidity balanced by lean, yet round, tannins. Savory raspberries and cherries with rhubarb and a little bay leaf. Yum! — 6 years ago

Shelby Cole Graham

9.2

Very good wine. Smooth, not to dry, definitely can tell it's a Zen! BlackBerry and plum with a smooth finish — 8 years ago

Mike Allas

9.2

One of the best Malbec in this price range. — 9 years ago

Nic Anderson

9.5

Love this wine and at $8-$12 for a price point, it's pretty awesome! — 9 years ago

Nathan Ellis

9.0

Great drinkable wine. Fruity and smooth. — 10 years ago

Pat

9.6

We both liked this. — 10 years ago

Michelle Twyman-ward

9.2

Love love love! Perfect balance! — 12 years ago

Gen

9.7

Very good for CA! — 13 years ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.7

Ruby with complex fruit aromas, spice and oak. Blend of 90% Tempranillo & 10% Graciano, aged 48 months on American oak, 20% new. On the palate flavors of dark berry fruits with spice, oak and smoky earthy notes, slight vanilla nuances on ripe full soft silky tannins. Long finish, nice mouthfeel, ending with fruit, oak, cigar box spice and clean mineral earthy tones, a joy to Sip this Fine Wine!! Tasting great, has more aging potential! — a year ago

Theodore Krijnse Locker

9.6

Dark in color. Super fruity on the nose. Blackberry and plumb notes. Peppery, leathery, earthy finish. — a year ago

Antonio Gianola

9.1

Lovely domestic interpretation of Tempier Rose and at half the Tempier price how can one complain? — a year ago

Angelo Casagrande

9.0

Old school- fairly light, beautiful fruit ( not jammy), no oak, no cloying hugeness. Big enough for my grilled rib-eye- easy to drink on its own. For $20, good value Zin. — 8 years ago

Lynn Derbyshire

9.0

Rich, thick, smooth, just yummy!!! A smoky essence that was surprising. Had it with grilled chicken and tomatillo salsa. Divine. would be awesome with a steak or lamb. 8/10/18 — 8 years ago

Nicole Ruiz Hudson

9.0

Tart cherries, tobacco, olives, a little orange zest, and vanilla. Tons of acidity w moderate tannins. Graceful and elegant. — 9 years ago

Christopher Beatty

9.0

Full flavor. Not too jammy. — 10 years ago

Neal Ferry

9.1

Not all bad... In fact pretty stinking good — 10 years ago

Mike Bledsoe

9.6

One of my favorites — 11 years ago

Randy Nielsen

9.6

Christmas Eve 2013 — 13 years ago