Jay Kline

9.2

Poured into a Boa decanter several hours prior to dinner. The 2022 Zinfandel pours a ruby color with a near opaque core; medium+ viscosity with moderate staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is youthful with notes of bright brambles: blackberries and raspberries, cherry (some candied, think Cherry Blow Pop), pipe tobacco, black pepper, dry organic earth and gentle baking spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose with some notes of mocha added to the mix. The finish is long and delightful. Fun to try in its youth however I expect these will show even better after a few years in the cellar. Best after 2027 and through 2042. — 13 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.0

Light ruby color with a garnet rim. Aromas of Smokey black berry/currant/raspberry fruit with notes of forest floor and purple flowers. Same fruits on the palate with hints of mushrooms, black tea, dried earth and savory spices. Juicy with silky tannins. Medium bodied and soft textured. — 2 months ago

Anais Moyal

9.0

It has green apple and citrus notes. It had a sparkling wine mouth feel and has a sharp finish. — 2 months ago

Raul Puga

9.2

Yes. Too early to open it. But oh so good — 5 days ago

David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.2

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. — 21 days ago

DAL 9000

9.1

Pears and green apples bouquet. Initial citrus and green apple tartness. Then a sweettart middle. Lingering pears on the finish. Very crisp and fresh. — 2 months ago

Bob McDonald

9.4

See previous note in August 2022. Vines planted in 1961 in the Eden Valley. A fuller riper style than the usual Pewsey Vale - still finishing dry. Aromatics of Lemon and Lime. The terroir and the quality of the fruit showing through. Not a hint of TDN (Kerosene/Petrol) showing through. Could cellar for another 3 to 4 years if desired up to its 10th birthday. — 3 months ago

David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.5

2 1/2 hour decant and still shows semi-resolved, round, meaty tannins. I can only imagine how big this wine was at release.

Silly, silly. Dark chocolate cooking bar, smooth expresso, sweet tarriness, anise-black licorice, mocha, caramel, clove, nutmeg, cinnamon, vanillin, dark, resolved spice, blackberries, black raspberries, black plum & very, dark cherries. Fresh & candied, lavender, violets round acidity, balance, nice tension, structure, well knitted and really well polished lush, finish that lasts 90 seconds.

Yes, there are Sonoma Cabernet producers that stand right in there w/ Napa. This is certainly one. — a month ago

Tom Garland

9.5

+2 hour decant(decent chunky/fine sediment). A wondrous dark garnet with bricking. On the nose: perfumed notes of stewed plum, currants, old leather, cigar box, smoked meat, truffles, and touch of mint. Taste: silky, exquisite wine with red cherry/plum, old leather, dusty chiseled granite, bitter chocolate, cedar, and a dry graphite/coffee long finish. YUM! Drinks beautifully and should hold for more years of awesomeness. — a month ago

with Brenda

Laura Vaughn Arellano

9.2

A favorite in my house. The bourbon aftertaste is very subtle, but it gives off a slight smoky aftertaste. Very smooth. — 2 months ago