Stephen Fitzpatrick

8.9

2021 vintage. Immediately hit with heavy aromas of oak, spice, berry, and a slight hint of leather. Shockingly smooth on the palette, flavors of dark cherry, with a lingering finish and defined texture. Paired well with NC Barbecue chicken and spicy potatoes. Decent go to Cab for under $25. — 4 months 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!
— a year ago

Nina Wexelblatt

9.4

Pasta dinner in the Catskills, very delicious — 4 years ago

with Michael

Virginia Thomas

9.2

Winestyr with Chefs Special — 5 years ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.0

1978 Chuck Hope left beverage job, moved to Paso Robles, became farmer, & top grape grower. Working with his father, Austin led family into winemaking in ‘95, creating his label in 2000. Grapes from 5 small blocks of Paso Robles AVAs, aged in 75% new French oak, 18 mos. Dark Ruby, aromas of sweet ripe black fruits & dried smoky spices. Flavors of ripe blackberry, sweet cacao, espresso & vanilla oak. Big wine, fine tannins that needed 45 minutes, long fruit finish. The 15% ABV, slight burn, but ok. Nice! — 6 years ago

Dana Thompson

9.0

Very nice Cali blend. Not too sweet while it doesn’t give the blend it’s obviously Sauv Blanc, Semillon, Viongnet and..any guesses? I like it more the Conundrum especially at dB below $12 price. — 7 years ago

Jamie Amann

8.9

Dull red color with visible legs. Smells and tastes strongly of cherry or dark fruit. — 5 months ago

Ted

8.9

The mineral side of the wine stood out. The fruit seemed like it was more unripe. Enjoyable natural wine. — a year ago

with Jeni

Sipping Fine Wine

9.3

‘Las Alturas' Spanish for 'the heights', a fitting name, this vineyard located on one of the highest grape-growing benches in the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA. 4th gen Winemaker Joseph J. Wagner from family with farming & winemaking roots in Napa since 1906. Met Joe several times. Deep Ruby (darkest Pinot I have come across). Nice berry and floral spice aromas. Rich cherry/plum flavors with oak, spice and vanilla. Long finish, bold ending with sweet oak notes. Very Nice! A Fav! — 3 years ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.0

A wine from Jorge Ordóñez and his winemaking team. Pale lemon with crisp stone fruit and citrus aromas. On the palate apple, pear and melon flavors with lemon citrus, consistent offering from La Cana. Medium finish ending with fruit, spice and mineral tang. Nice value. — 3 years ago

Elyse P

9.4

👍🏼 I’d buy again — 5 years ago

Justin Lintz

9.1

Nice and light , floral nose, cherry flavors — 6 years ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.2

Winemaker Joseph J. Wagner is a 4th generation winemaker from a family with farming and winemaking roots in the Napa Valley since 1906. Met Joe several times. Deep Ruby with red berry fruit aromas and sweet spice notes. On the palate flavors of raspberry and ripe blackberry with sweet oak, cacao and espresso notes. Soft fine tannins perfect acidity and balance long finish ending with mineral character. Nice! A Fav! — 6 years ago

Essence Perry

10

Super juicy red — 9 months ago

William Womack

9.5

Just another wonderful pinot from Willamette Valley — 9 months ago

Kristen Grimes

10

A balance of fruit and non-fruit aromas... black cherries, subtle nutmeg, slate.
Light but rich on the palate with the same fruit and spice flavors as aromas, some soft but present acidity hits the tip of the tongue, and soft but present tannins linger. Complex and delicious. — 2 years ago

David D

9.1

Savory, well rounded, and delicious. I’m not usually the biggest domestic Pinot fan but loved it. At Commerce Inn. 08/26/2023 🎉 — 3 years ago

Will Rogers

9.2

Wherewithall wine pairing dinner — 4 years ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.2

Tried this about a year ago, tried again, aged nicely! HALL Wines is located in Napa Valley and employs organic small-vine viticulture and precision winemaking. ‘16 is a blend of 98% Merlot and 2% Cab Sauv. Very deep Ruby with rich berry fruit aromas, complex but not overpowering adding a touch of floral and spice. On the palate rich fruit, raspberry and cherry flavors with sweet vanilla, cacao and some oak. Smooth tannins, great balance, long finish, a joy to drink. — 5 years ago

Drew Fitchette

9.0

Honey, grapefruit, zingy. Nice weight and a touch of grassy bitters. — 6 years ago

with Amy