Steven Larsen

9.3

it’s interesting because this bottle was not properly kept for several years, the cork fell apart upon opening, but this 1983 vintage ,was still delightfully good ! in spite of the improperly kept history, as a Sauturne. It has a nice delightful, sweet and aromatic taste that was quite pleasant to drink. It was open today, March 22, 2026. — 4 days ago

Meredith Moody

9.4

Pale yellow color. Smells very citrusy and tropical, with a hint of some creaminess. On the first taste it was very bright, but had a richness on the finish. Definitely fruit forward, leans heavily towards tropical fruits like pineapple in the beginning. Has mineral/earthy notes towards the end. Very clean and dry. I really like this wine. Had it with spanish iberico ham, great combo. — a month ago

Brett Vanderbrook

8.9

On the nose I get black currant, cedar, leather, anise. Elegant and lighter than you might expect from California Cab. A long, lingering finish with toothy tannins and noticeable oak. I’m drinking it on its own but it would be fantastic with meat or cheese. — 2 days ago

Joe Fischer

9.6

Well, this is my last 2015 and after 11 years it’s close to perfection. Ruby with aromas of dark cherry, blueberry, cedar, and chocolate. On the bud, it smooth, rich, and a long finish. Stewed fruit and a spice note tease the palate. Great with my 40 day aged Ribeye and Red Potatoes. — 10 days ago

Jay Kline

9.4

Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of an hour. The 2006 Comtes de Champagne pours a straw color with a persistent mousse. On the nose, the wine is developing with notes of white peach, lemon curd, white flowers, lightly toasted brioche with chalk and limestone minerals. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long and creamy. This is delicious and fabulously balanced CdC. Drink now through 2036. — 11 days ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.4

I have written a few times regarding my tale of Caymus & Caymus Classic. Their vintages post 2011 and their vintages pre 2011.

I have at event tastings that Caymus was pouring, encouraged their staff to talk with Chuck to make both Caymus & Caymus Classic. Recently, I emailed them to pass on my thoughts to Chuck asking him to make both. If you liked Caymus the way it was, I encourage you to do the same. There is a dwelling amount of older, well preserved Caymus Classic vintages. info@wagnerfamilyofwine.com should you be so inclined.

Their post 2011 Caymus Cabernets are picked at higher brix and syrupy sweet. I get why Chuck changed. Many like sweeter Cabernets that drink easy young. That is not my wheelhouse.

In my intermediate wine days, I aged and enjoyed many pre 2012 vintages. This perfect bottle bought on the secondary market at around $70 is extremely well stored. The cork when I cut the foil looked slightly depressed, when I pulled it with an Ah-so was next to new.

I enjoyed this with a Ribcap, not the best wine for that steak but, ok. This 07 is more filet or NY Strip.

The nose shows; a very dark core of sweet currants. Ripe-lush-blackberries, black cherries, the blackest of plum to pudding, black raspberries, poached/slightly baked strawberries, circling raspberries, anise to black licorice, woven baking spices-cinnamon, clove, nutmeg & vanilla, caramel, dark chocolate, mellow dark spices, sweet tarriness & dark earth, dry crush limestone, moist, grey volcanic clays, dry top soil, dry tobacco, some sweet graphite, steeped black tea & withering/candied, dark, red flowers framed in liquid violets/lavender.

This bottle now nearly 18 years in bottle has not faded. It is at its precipice and will hold a few yrs. 2007 a grand Napa vintage. Decanted a little over an hour and enjoyed over the next 90-120 minutes. With this experience, another hour in the decanter is even better.

M-M+ velvety, rounded, tannins. The palate is round, ripe, lush, ruby fruits of; dark core of sweet currants. Ripe-lush; blackberries, black cherries, the blackest of plum to pudding, stewed plum, black raspberries, poached/slightly baked strawberries, circling raspberries with notes of liqueur overtones, anise to black licorice, woven baking spices-cinnamon, clove, nutmeg & vanilla, caramel, dark chocolate, black licorice, dark berry cola, distinct dark, Caynus Classic spices w/ palate heat, herbaceous notes, sweet tarriness & dark earth, dry crush limestone/rock, moist, grey volcanic clays, dry top soil, dry river stone, charcoal, notes of menthol, dry tobacco, leather, dry oak barrel shavings, some sweet graphite, steeped black tea & withering/candied, dark, red flowers framed in liquid violets/lavender, perfect, round acidity with an incredibly; balanced, well knitted-toned-structured, elegantly/smartly polished finish that goes on and on and long sets on beautiful earth & spice.

94+ This experience is becoming rarer & rarer. — 20 days ago

Norman

9.5

I will start by saying that Hillside Select is a great wine and suggesting otherwise sounds rediculous. That said I was hoping for more punch here and I think the 13yrs just tamed it more than I expected. It just seemed a bit muted to me and while I gave it some time/air it didn’t really open up that much more. — a day ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.4

2018 vintage. Last tasted 12.5.25 (9.4), 1.31.25 (9.4) and 10.27.23 (9.4). Bigg stuff...which is something I never would have said about Spottswoode vintages back in the 80's and 90's. The new premium Coravin btg Napa Cab. 3.19.26. — 7 days ago

Rob Brobst III

9.5

Needs two days! Better than most! A great buy at $50.99 a bottle. — 6 days ago

Adam

9.0

Richly sweet flavor profile of berry and cherry, with hints of spice and smokiness. Heavy but to too much so. Very smooth finish. A high quality wine, and more enjoyable than other Cab Sauvs that I’ve tried. — 5 days ago