Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.4

When Caymus was Caymus!!!

It is good to remember the style of wine Chuck used to make. His wine from 2011 backwards. The wine I used to collect. I refer to this now as Caymus Classic. I have requested they make this style again every time I see a Caymus representative. Just 500 cases by simply picking earlier at lower brix and applying past winemaking. They under estimate how fast those cases would sellout.

I get they made a business decision to make a sweeter wine that will drink easier young. They get better critic scores and sell to a larger customer base. A customer base that generally drinks it like supermarket buyers…within the first two weeks of purchase.

Of course, 1997 was an epic vintage in Napa and this 97 bought weeks ago has been well stored and in perfect condition. I miss this wine as it has so much more character than their 2012 vintage & forward. So do many former Caymus collectors.

The nose reveals, bright, ripe; blackberries, black raspberries, dark cherries that are just starting to reveal some liqueur notes, raspberries, strawberries & plum. Sandalwood, old, dry tobacco, baking soda, mid berry cola/licorice, some light graphite, dark spice, dry stems, decayed red flowers, red roses and violets.

The palate is exquisite. It is all beauty with nothing bitty or angular. Ripe, juicy, lush; blackberries, cassis, black raspberries, dark cherries with hints of some liqueur notes, raspberries, strawberries, mulberries as it unfurls & plum. Sandalwood, old, dry tobacco with ash, baking soda, mid berry cola/licorice, some light graphite, perfect dark spice with some tongue heat, mocha, dark chocolate baking bar, clove, cinnamon, nutmeg & hints of vanillin, dry herbs, baking soda, dry limestone powder, top soil with pebbles, slightly moist volcanic clay, dry stems, decayed red flowers, red roses and violets, excellent, rainfall acidity and an elegant, balanced, nicely tensioned & structured, polished finish that last two-minutes and lands on spice & gentle earthy tones. I miss their distinct spice. Glorious!!!

This bottle is somewhere on the other side of the bell curve and still singing. Still very sound. It won’t improve and recommend if you own, drink them sooner than later but certainly not a rush.

88% Cabernet, 10% Merlot & 2% Cabernet Franc. 25.95% Paladins, Skruggs, Wright-St. Helena. 52.15% Caymus Estate, Glos, Usibelli-Rutherford, 15.84% Sciambra-Atlas Peak, 6.06% Tambor Vineyards-Mt. Veeder.

Photos of: Caymus tasting room, tasting room courtyard, owner Chuck Wagner and vineyard. — 11 days ago

Melanie Hogan DelBuono

9.3

I was surprised it was in a clear glass bottle. Still very young but surprisingly light. Very vanilla with fresh cherry’s. Not a big Cabernet at all. — 6 months ago

Tom Jenkins

9.0

Never seen this label - as I understand, it is one of Chuck Wagner’s junior Caymus - a blend of multiple cab grapes from the Sonoma valley. It tastes just like that - super soft, big dark red juice. Soft, velvet finish. For $79, feels like a steal. — 10 days ago

Anthony Cammarata Jr.

9.0

This Napa wine is full-bodied and plush, with a velvety texture that coats the mouth. The fruit core is ripe and sweet, dominated by dark berries and chocolate flavors. Notes of toasty oak, vanilla bean, and cinnamon round out the flavor profile, making it rich. The tannins are soft making this wine superb. — 2 months ago

with Michael

Sipping Fine Wine

9.3

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! — 3 months ago

Tom Nguyen

9.0

They wouldn’t let me get the caymus — 8 months ago

Diana Gifford

10

Light fruity delicious! This wine is worth every penny! — 25 days ago

with Blake and Melany

Grace Glen

9.0

Delicious and full bodied. Black cherries, black currants, dark chocolate and hints of vanilla all stand out to me. — 2 months ago

with Chris

"Odedi"

9.1

Deep purple in color with a short purple rim.

Sweet and very fruity on the nose.

Full-bodied and bold with medium minus acidity and long legs.

Dry on the palate and very fruity, with nice complexity.

Showing blackberries, cooked prunes, cedar, vanilla, licorice, spices, dried figs, raisins, chocolates, light earth, bitter herbs and light barnyard.

Sweet finish with fine grained tannins.

This 9 year old Petite Sirah from California is enjoyable by itself or with food. Elegant and smooth. Fruit forward and robust.

Very much in your face kind of wine, although, I expected it to calm down by now. Feels more like a California Syrah at this point.

14.6% alcohol by volume.

91 points.

$60. — 3 months ago

Jeffrey Trezek

9.5

Beautiful sipper. Clean, velvety, and great with anything. — 6 months ago