Caymus Vineyards
Special Selection Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley, California, USA
Deep Ruby with aromas of blue & black fruits, sweet spice & slight mineral character. A blend of mostly Cab Sauvignon with small amounts of Malbec, Petit Verdot & Cab Franc from their estate-owned Napa Valley vineyards, aged 18 months French (62%) & American oak (38%) (about 50% new). Palate, complex flavors, blackberry, plums & cherry with sweet spice, oak & tobacco notes. Well balanced with good acidity & developing tannins. Full-bodied, long finish ending with pepper & wood spice. Nice!
Deep Ruby with aromas of blue & black fruits, sweet spice & slight mineral character. A blend of mostly Cab Sauvignon with small amounts of Malbec, Petit Verdot & Cab Franc from their estate-owned Napa Valley vineyards, aged 18 months French (62%) & American oak (38%) (about 50% new). Palate, complex flavors, blackberry, plums & cherry with sweet spice, oak & tobacco notes. Well balanced with good acidity & developing tannins. Full-bodied, long finish ending with pepper & wood spice. Nice!
Mar 4th, 2025
Had to try it. Used to love their work prior to 2012. After that, their style changed to picking at higher brix levels thus creating a much sweeter profile. SS was one I’d hoped they’d left alone and they did not. Not quite as sweet as their regular Cabernet but sweeter than before. I made the pitch to the property to make Caymus Classic along side their new sweeter style wines. The 94 Special Selection was one of their best.
Had to try it. Used to love their work prior to 2012. After that, their style changed to picking at higher brix levels thus creating a much sweeter profile. SS was one I’d hoped they’d left alone and they did not. Not quite as sweet as their regular Cabernet but sweeter than before. I made the pitch to the property to make Caymus Classic along side their new sweeter style wines. The 94 Special Selection was one of their best.
Apr 5th, 2024
Napa Valley, California, USA 🇺🇸
Overview
An iconic 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, sourced from prime Napa Valley sites and only bottled in top vintages. Special Selection remains Caymus’ crown jewel, emphasizing ripe fruit, velvety texture, and approachable power. The 2019 vintage offered balanced weather, producing wines with richness, structure, and elegance.
Aromas & Flavors
Nose: ripe blackberries, dark cherries, cassis, and baked blueberries, layered with cocoa bean, espresso, and a touch of black pepper.
Palate: lush and fruit-forward, with notes of black plum, mocha, toasted oak, and subtle spice. Creamy, supple, and deeply expressive.
Mouthfeel
Full-bodied and velvety, with plush, integrated tannins. The finish is long, lingering, and deeply satisfying, balancing richness with a touch of elegance.
Winemaking & Style
Aged in French oak for nearly two years, with Caymus’ signature fruit-forward, layered expression. 2019 shows a step toward balance compared to prior vintages, with slightly more finesse while keeping its hallmark opulence.
Food Pairing
Perfect alongside prime rib, braised short ribs, grilled lamb chops, or earthy mushroom risotto. Also pairs beautifully with dark chocolate truffles for an indulgent finale.
Verdict
A luscious, rounded, and luxurious Special Selection, showing both depth and harmony. Delicious now, but built with the structure to age gracefully. Classic Caymus richness with just the right balance of refinement.
Napa Valley, California, USA 🇺🇸
Overview
An iconic 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, sourced from prime Napa Valley sites and only bottled in top vintages. Special Selection remains Caymus’ crown jewel, emphasizing ripe fruit, velvety texture, and approachable power. The 2019 vintage offered balanced weather, producing wines with richness, structure, and elegance.
Aromas & Flavors
Nose: ripe blackberries, dark cherries, cassis, and baked blueberries, layered with cocoa bean, espresso, and a touch of black pepper.
Palate: lush and fruit-forward, with notes of black plum, mocha, toasted oak, and subtle spice. Creamy, supple, and deeply expressive.
Mouthfeel
Full-bodied and velvety, with plush, integrated tannins. The finish is long, lingering, and deeply satisfying, balancing richness with a touch of elegance.
Winemaking & Style
Aged in French oak for nearly two years, with Caymus’ signature fruit-forward, layered expression. 2019 shows a step toward balance compared to prior vintages, with slightly more finesse while keeping its hallmark opulence.
Food Pairing
Perfect alongside prime rib, braised short ribs, grilled lamb chops, or earthy mushroom risotto. Also pairs beautifully with dark chocolate truffles for an indulgent finale.
Verdict
A luscious, rounded, and luxurious Special Selection, showing both depth and harmony. Delicious now, but built with the structure to age gracefully. Classic Caymus richness with just the right balance of refinement.
D&BR brought. Smooth & delicious!
D&BR brought. Smooth & delicious!
Oct 7th, 2024
