Andrew Cullimore

8.9

Quite light ruby garnet , wide garnet rim . On the nose this shows red currant , wild strawberry , dry spice , dried rose , herbal touches and tangerine peel . The palate is quite elegant with wild strawberry , red currant and those fresh herbal hints , with just a touch of bitterness . Fresh acidity , and slightly gritty tannins . Quite refreshing with good length and balance, that touch of bitterness doesn’t detract from the rest of wine. This is quite linear and focused, perhaps slightly strict , uncompromising in style , but probably has a few years left in the cellar and might improve over the next 2-3 years and last well a further 5 or so. — a month ago

ESF

9.8

Last bottle — opened for an old friend and like the PN alongside, this was a stunner, nearly flawless. Intact cork, bunch of sediment, and after only half hour in the decanter it was game time. Had PN and this alongside gorgeous ribeye — 2 months ago

Bob McDonald

9.5

Mid crimson with a tawny rim showing its age. Just as impressive as the 2000 vintage which tends to get the accolades. This blend is 69% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot and 12% Cabernet Franc. Aromatics of an old flower arrangement that had dried off with mature black fruits and cedar. My last bottle at 24 years of age but many say this could carry on until the mid 2030s. A classic Bordeaux living up to its “Super Second” standing. — 4 months ago

Turd Ferguson

9.1

Masculine. Balanced. Pair with lamb butt. — 12 hours ago

AHF

9.5

From .375 at 20 years. Deep ruby color to rim. Open and mature. — a month ago

Ron R

9.5

This producer is in a class of its own.
No signs of maturity. Pure notes of saddle leather and oak on the nose. A pure expression of Bdx with balance and power. Mid palate displays mature cherries and a hint of olives. Grainy tannins play second fiddle to prominent acidity.
My mental shortcut here is; GET SOME!
Thanks Rick. — 2 months ago

with Andrew and Rick

Freddy R. Troya

9.1

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

Doug Powers

9.3

Lovely, sweet mature fruit (dried redfruits), there might be a touch of Brett (but less than the 1995 Beaucastel I posted last week), suave and complex on the palate, lingering finish, excellent Chateauneuf-du-Pape at its peak!! — 13 days ago

with Jim

Ericsson

9.6

Mature Mouton is a revelation — 2 months ago

Conrad Green

9.2

Soft peach and apricot with a touch of brioche and delicate honey. Rounded and mature., suffers a bit by the pristine 2002 alongside. Lovely stuff but could be a touch more dynamic — 3 months ago

with Matt and David