Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.4

A little off other 08 A. Raf’s I’ve had. Still really good. Just not the outstanding level I’ve had perilously. Acquired on the Secondary market and not quite the excellent storage of other bottles I’ve purchased.

@SevenCaynonsSedona — 12 days ago

Mary Perrotta

8.9

A little dry and a little sweet. A great blend. — a month ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.3

Pale lemon with complex aromas of fresh ripe citrus and tropical fruits with zesty floral notes. On the palate flavors of peach, lime citrus and melon with lemongrass and floral herb notes. Long finish ending with juicy fruit, herb and citrus notes, lively acidity with mineral character. Outstanding! Will reward with a few years of age! — 2 months ago

Jay Kline

9.1

Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of 90 minutes. The 2020 Classico pours a garnet color with a translucent core; medium+ viscosity with no staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with notes of Morello cherry, pomegranate, red flowers, old wood, and dry gravelly earth. On the palate, the wine is dry with high tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is medium+. My first time trying the 2020 vintage of Produttori’s Classico and it’s another really lovely, benchmark example of Barbaresco. Drink now through 2040. — 3 months ago

Steve Mitchell

9.2

Consistently a good Zinfandel. — 23 days ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.4

These are so good 15 yrs plus. In fact, insanely given the price point.

Again, a touch of bandaid on the nose that doesn’t affect the palate.

Grainy, fine M+ tannins.

It is rich, lush, ripe; blackberries, plum, dark cherries, raspberry hues & hints of strawberries & blueberries. Berry cola/licorice, mocha, caramel, black licorice, soft, layered baking spices, espresso, oak barrel powder, black tea, tobacco w/ ash, used/soft leather, excellent, soft, dark spices, melted dark chocolate to pudding, crushed rocks powder, dry rock, limestone/sandstone, some dry twig, candied dark, red flowers framed in violets with lavender hints, rainfall acidity, balance for days, nicely structured/tensioned, elegant & smart polish that lasts minutes and falls on fine grain minerals & dry top soil. — 4 days 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!
— 2 months ago

Jay Kline

9.2

Opened about 30 minutes prior to service; enjoyed over the course of 90 minutes. The 2017 Merlot pours a deep ruby/purple color with an opaque core; medium+ viscosity with moderate staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with mostly ripe and some tart, black and red fruits: black currants, boysenberry, chocolate covered cherries, purple flowers, new leather, pipe tobacco and fine baking spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is medium+ and the texture like a velvet glove. Drink now through 2037+. — a month ago

Jeremiah Diaz

9.0

Deep purple in color; on the nose, it's clean with pronounced intensity primary and secondary aromas of blackberries, dried herbs, and vanilla; on the palate, it's dry, with high acidity, high tannins, medium alcohol, full body, and pronounced primary and secondary flavors of plum, baking spices, a hint of black pepper, and crushed gravel with a long finish. This wine is intense and balanced, but it's difficult to differentiate the flavors. Overall, I rate this wine as very good. — a month ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.3

2024 vintage. Lighter but with concentration for days. A different style with a suggestion of limoncello. Generally dislike Sauvie B but this came to play and was the standout of this year’s Bevan Cellars releases I tasted (3 whites/7 reds). 08.22.25 — 3 months ago