1990 vintage. Last tasted 12.11.22 (9.6) and 8.20.16 (9.2-slightly off bottle). Tasted side by side with the 1989 (9.4) version of this wine. Ridiculous 1-2 heavyweight punch. Opened but not decanted. Tasted at the conclusion of lunch after an hour open. Not much in the nose but bringing it in the flavors. Still heavy bits of ripe plum and cherry with a substantial mid-palate. Larger format of this wine likely clocks in as a 9.6/9.7 but this was a 750ml. In the 750ml format, not improving and it's drink now and until 2028. Still, most likely, the best wine this producer has ever made. The 1989 has a case as well. Like the Lebowski rug, this one just tied the late-80's/early-90's BDX room together. 10.10.25. — 22 days ago
Napa Valley, California, USA 🇺🇸
Overview
A legendary Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, crafted only in exceptional vintages. The 2012 vintage is remembered as one of Napa’s “dream years” — consistent weather, long hang time, and perfectly ripened fruit. Special Selection remains Caymus’ flagship and is always made in small, meticulous quantities.
Aromas & Flavors
Nose: explosive notes of overripe black cherry, baked blueberries, leather, oak, and subtle spice.
Palate: full-bodied and multi-layered, offering rich, cooked dark berries, bitter dark chocolate, and hints of espresso, with leathery depth.
Mouthfeel
Velvety and concentrated, yet showing the beginnings of age. Silky tannins, soft structure, and a lingering, dry finish. Decadent and still powerful, but now entering its mature phase.
Winemaking & Style
Aged extensively in French oak, this bottling represents Caymus’ fruit-forward, opulent signature style, while 2012 gave extra ripeness and intensity. It’s an iconic Napa Cab that manages both power and elegance.
Food Pairing
Pair with dry-aged ribeye, braised short ribs, venison, or truffle-infused mushroom dishes. Also excellent with a hard, aged cheese like Pecorino Toscano or Parmigiano Reggiano.
Verdict
An over-the-top, show-stopping vintage of Caymus Special Selection. Still bold, rich, and luxurious, but beautifully softened with age. Drink now for peak pleasure, though it can hold for another few years. — 4 months ago
The floral and elegant side of Garnacha. Fine raspberries, good acid, some funky note. Pleasant — 2 months ago
One of the last years Caymus made good wine — 8 days ago
Smells supe light. Barely there honeysuckle, wisps of green apple. Tiny bubbles, fresh and clean and like if champagne were made of cloud. Delicious, and my first Dom! — 4 hours ago
John Van Trijp
I don’t get the fuzz — 6 days ago