I only have have a 1/2 dozen bottles of vintages that predate the 2012 vintage when Caymus still made wines in a style I appreciated. More; tannic, spice, earth and complexity.
Now, they are amongst the last to pick fruit, which translates into higher brix levels and much sweeter wines. They pick just as the grapes start to show the slightest raisin shrivel.
I thought I might be early on the 2007. Instead, it’s right around its peak form.
The nose reveals dark black currants. Ripe; blackberries, black plum, black raspberries, stewed plum, dark cherries, stewed strawberries and creamy raspberries. Dark spice, black tea, mixed dark berry cola, limestone minerals, rich dark soil, some dry crushed rocks, vanilla, cinnamon, sweet tarry notes, just a touch of eucalyptus with blue, purple and dark red fresh & withering flowers.
The body is full. Tannins round, grainy, tarry, sticky and meaty...60% resolved. Still lots of life in this 07....another 7-10 years of good drinking left. The wine is delicious. The structure, tension, length and balance are in a great spot. Ripe; dark black currants, blackberries, black plum, black raspberries, boysenberries, stewed plum, dark cherries, stewed strawberries and creamy raspberries. Dark spice with some palate heat, soft, understated and well integrated baking spices; light vanilla, clove and cinnamon. Black tea, mixed dark berry cola, black licorice, limestone minerals, rich dark soil, some dry crushed rocks, vanilla, cinnamon, sweet tarry notes, just a touch of eucalyptus with blue, purple and dark red fresh & withering flowers. The acidity is round and perfect. The flavors glorious. The long finish is extremely well balanced, seamless, it glides over the palate effortlessly and last minutes.
Photos of; Caymus Estate vines, the front entrance to the winery, the grounds around their tasting room and their tasting bar.
@The Restaurant at CIA Copia — 4 years ago
Complex and opens up with time — 3 years ago
Sweet, very good — 3 years ago
Subtle cedar on the nose and palate. White pepper. Lovely. — 5 years ago
Blend of Valencí (70%), Muscat of Alexandria (10%) and other still unidentified white varieties (30%). Fermented with indigenous yeasts and 5-day skin maceration, and aged in stainless steel and oak barrels for a total of 8 months. Amber color. Beautiful aromas of candied fruit (candied orange), honey and floral notes (orange blossoms). Powerful, full-bodied, quite dense on the mouth, but feels fresh nonetheless. Dry, austere. — a year ago
2014 At CIA at Copia in Napa. — 3 years ago
Stunning and fresh love it 😍 — 5 years ago
Joe Weinberger
Knew nothing about this wine when I picked it up. Totally floored by how good this was. 100% Arco. Herbaceous, peppery, floral. — 2 days ago