Kath Rt

9.2

lemony deli… — 25 days ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.4

When Caymus was Caymus!!!

It is good to remember the style of wine Chuck used to make. His wine from 2011 backwards. The wine I used to collect. I refer to this now as Caymus Classic. I have requested they make this style again every time I see a Caymus representative. Just 500 cases by simply picking earlier at lower brix and applying past winemaking. They under estimate how fast those cases would sellout.

I get they made a business decision to make a sweeter wine that will drink easier young. They get better critic scores and sell to a larger customer base. A customer base that generally drinks it like supermarket buyers…within the first two weeks of purchase.

Of course, 1997 was an epic vintage in Napa and this 97 bought weeks ago has been well stored and in perfect condition. I miss this wine as it has so much more character than their 2012 vintage & forward. So do many former Caymus collectors.

The nose reveals, bright, ripe; blackberries, black raspberries, dark cherries that are just starting to reveal some liqueur notes, raspberries, strawberries & plum. Sandalwood, old, dry tobacco, baking soda, mid berry cola/licorice, some light graphite, dark spice, dry stems, decayed red flowers, red roses and violets.

The palate is exquisite. It is all beauty with nothing bitty or angular. Ripe, juicy, lush; blackberries, cassis, black raspberries, dark cherries with hints of some liqueur notes, raspberries, strawberries, mulberries as it unfurls & plum. Sandalwood, old, dry tobacco with ash, baking soda, mid berry cola/licorice, some light graphite, perfect dark spice with some tongue heat, mocha, dark chocolate baking bar, clove, cinnamon, nutmeg & hints of vanillin, dry herbs, baking soda, dry limestone powder, top soil with pebbles, slightly moist volcanic clay, dry stems, decayed red flowers, red roses and violets, excellent, rainfall acidity and an elegant, balanced, nicely tensioned & structured, polished finish that last two-minutes and lands on spice & gentle earthy tones. I miss their distinct spice. Glorious!!!

This bottle is somewhere on the other side of the bell curve and still singing. Still very sound. It won’t improve and recommend if you own, drink them sooner than later but certainly not a rush.

88% Cabernet, 10% Merlot & 2% Cabernet Franc. 25.95% Paladins, Skruggs, Wright-St. Helena. 52.15% Caymus Estate, Glos, Usibelli-Rutherford, 15.84% Sciambra-Atlas Peak, 6.06% Tambor Vineyards-Mt. Veeder.

Photos of: Caymus tasting room, tasting room courtyard, owner Chuck Wagner and vineyard. — 5 months ago

Michael Shadoan

10

Amazing Pinot. Delightful and rich and spicy undertones. — a month ago

Brada

9.0

As good as Opolo or Seghisio — 9 months ago

Dana Silver

9.6

Funky Sour Patch Watermelon — 3 years ago

James Forsyth

9.5

So delicious. Plums, black cherry and Christmas spices. Lots going on and lots to love about it. This wine will also have a special place in our hearts because it was the first wine we opened after our son was born. Unbeknown to us before pulling it, the cork says "Love Your Mother". — 5 years ago

Chris Buffum

9.1

Another excellent Pinot — 2 months ago

with DD and Jon

Sean Sims

9.0

One of my all-time favorites. Explosive on the tongue, fruit forward. A lingering aftertaste — a year ago

Erin Winter

9.2

BlackBerry and bitter cherry, very well balanced. Great with steak and smoked Gouda.
— 5 years ago

Ella Wilson

9.2

Delicate crisp feel in the mouth with grapefruit notes. Lingers on the tongue but not too strong in the throat. Fruity notes, paired perfectly with fishy dishes. Would recommend to a friend. — 5 years ago