Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.4

I have written a few times regarding my tale of Caymus & Caymus Classic. Their vintages post 2011 and their vintages pre 2011.

I have at event tastings that Caymus was pouring, encouraged their staff to talk with Chuck to make both Caymus & Caymus Classic. Recently, I emailed them to pass on my thoughts to Chuck asking him to make both. If you liked Caymus the way it was, I encourage you to do the same. There is a dwelling amount of older, well preserved Caymus Classic vintages. info@wagnerfamilyofwine.com should you be so inclined.

Their post 2011 Caymus Cabernets are picked at higher brix and syrupy sweet. I get why Chuck changed. Many like sweeter Cabernets that drink easy young. That is not my wheelhouse.

In my intermediate wine days, I aged and enjoyed many pre 2012 vintages. This perfect bottle bought on the secondary market at around $70 is extremely well stored. The cork when I cut the foil looked slightly depressed, when I pulled it with an Ah-so was next to new.

I enjoyed this with a Ribcap, not the best wine for that steak but, ok. This 07 is more filet or NY Strip.

The nose shows; a very dark core of sweet currants. Ripe-lush-blackberries, black cherries, the blackest of plum to pudding, black raspberries, poached/slightly baked strawberries, circling raspberries, anise to black licorice, woven baking spices-cinnamon, clove, nutmeg & vanilla, caramel, dark chocolate, mellow dark spices, sweet tarriness & dark earth, dry crush limestone, moist, grey volcanic clays, dry top soil, dry tobacco, some sweet graphite, steeped black tea & withering/candied, dark, red flowers framed in liquid violets/lavender.

This bottle now nearly 18 years in bottle has not faded. It is at its precipice and will hold a few yrs. 2007 a grand Napa vintage. Decanted a little over an hour and enjoyed over the next 90-120 minutes. With this experience, another hour in the decanter is even better.

M-M+ velvety, rounded, tannins. The palate is round, ripe, lush, ruby fruits of; dark core of sweet currants. Ripe-lush; blackberries, black cherries, the blackest of plum to pudding, stewed plum, black raspberries, poached/slightly baked strawberries, circling raspberries with notes of liqueur overtones, anise to black licorice, woven baking spices-cinnamon, clove, nutmeg & vanilla, caramel, dark chocolate, black licorice, dark berry cola, distinct dark, Caynus Classic spices w/ palate heat, herbaceous notes, sweet tarriness & dark earth, dry crush limestone/rock, moist, grey volcanic clays, dry top soil, dry river stone, charcoal, notes of menthol, dry tobacco, leather, dry oak barrel shavings, some sweet graphite, steeped black tea & withering/candied, dark, red flowers framed in liquid violets/lavender, perfect, round acidity with an incredibly; balanced, well knitted-toned-structured, elegantly/smartly polished finish that goes on and on and long sets on beautiful earth & spice.

94+ This experience is becoming rarer & rarer. — 3 months ago

Jeremiah Diaz

8.9

Medium ruby in color; oregano, green bell pepper, and black cherries on the nose; medium minus acidity; medium plus tannins; tastes like cherries, eucalyptus, and wet gravel with a long finish. Nellie says it's ok. I'm enjoying the unique aromas and flavors. — 3 years ago

with Nellie

Ming L

9.3

At 20 years of age, this shows graceful maturity. Aromas of dried plum, fig, cedar, and mocha unfold alongside leather and warm spice and hint of purple floral. The palate is supple and harmonious, with resolved tannins and a gentle acidic lift that keeps the wine poised. Savory hints of olive and earth add complexity. The smooth finish feels settled and complete.

A bottling from Langhorne Creek and one Two Hands no longer produces. Would be fun to taste all the Garden series bottling side by side. — 3 months ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.1

Blend of equal amounts of local red grapes; Caino, Espadeiro and Loueiro, Ruby red color with aromas of red fruits, herb, floral and cigar box notes. On the palate flavors of cherry and raspberry with tobacco, oak and garden herbs. Medium+ finish, chalky tannins, savory, ending with herbs, spice, cedar and slight fruit, savory. Nice, will continue to age. — 10 months ago

David Smisek

8.9

12/31/24 toast (total wine $24). Enjoyable and refreshing. Light bubbles, citrus light — a year ago

Stuart Pollack

9.2

Powerful wine that went well with my Georgian lamb. Too strong to drink alone. But perfect with steak or lamb. Powerful nose with strong brooding flavors. — 3 years ago

Brian S

9.0

Dried flowers, red currant, cranberry, cherry, minerals — 6 months ago

Pooneet K

9.1

Very solid zin. Definitely more on the elegant side, though still over 14.5%. Haven’t had before and enjoyed. — 7 months ago

Steve Mitchell

9.3

Paired well with our steelhead trout and salad. — 10 months ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.3

Charles "Champagne Charlie" Heidsieck was one of the first to recognize the importance of the U.S. as a Champagne market. A blend with 40% reserve wines, fruit and floral bouquet, with orange blossom & yeasty notes. Fine bubbles, nice mousse, showing quality. Outstanding rich flavors of apple, pear and biscuit, well balanced, good structure, creamy. Long finish ending with toasty nutty oak & mineral notes. — 2 years ago