Stephen F Laga MD

9.6

I’ve had this in my personal cellar all these years. It was absolutely fantastic. Very smooth. No aftertaste. Had with prime rib for Christmas Eve dinner — 9 days 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!
— 4 months ago

Chris Buggy

9.0

In its prime, tannins are rounded, good body. Just a little too much vanilla/oak for my taste. — 10 months ago

Matt Schwartz

9.0

Dried red fruits, baking spices, cedar, Price Albert tobacco, coco nibs, stewed tomato and leather. Maintains good acidity with softened tannins. A bit past its prime but still drinking well.

Perfect wine for watching the Las Vegas Grand Prix! — a month ago

AEL

9.0

Bright, tasty Brunello, slightly sweeter than the norm. Had at the winery with dinner, Jen and Dave. Agriturismo near Trequanda. — 7 months ago

Kevin Dale

9.5

Decanted for 40 minutes. Still drinking really young. Probably in its prime another 10-15 years. — 9 months ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.2

Quilt pays tribute to Napa’s wines, sourced from a patchwork of prime Napa Valley vineyards. Met Joseph Wagner a few times & tasted his wines. Deep Ruby with aromas of dark berry fruits, sweet spice and cedar. On palate flavors of blackberry and cherry with vanilla, oak and leather notes, well balanced. Fine soft tannins, nice mouthfeel, on long finish ending with cacao, oak and tobacco character. Consistent quality, has room to age. Nice! — 9 months ago

Sean Townley

9.3

Wonderful nose. Slightly muted / past prime but still very enjoyable — 2 months ago

Jack Krawczyk

9.2

past prime. fresh soil with some mushroom - still enjoyable — 4 months ago

Vanessa

9.5

Château Latour is an iconic estate in the Pauillac commune on the left bank of Bordeaux, achieving coveted ‘First Growth’ status in the 1855 Bordeaux Classification.

The estate has roots dating back to the 14th century and derives its name ‘La Tour’ from a fortress tower built during the Hundred Years’ War, which no longer exists but is prominently featured on the label in recognition of its history.

We weren’t sure what to expect, as many have predicted these 1983s are likely past their prime, but this wine was a masterpiece. 🤩

It was medium garnet in color with expressive notes of cedar box, cigar, clove, peat, leather, forest floor, fig, prune, dried black cherry, plum, cassis, blackberry compote, cardamom, cinnamon, star anise, dried violet, potpourri, kalamata olive, pencil shavings, graphite, & bacon fat.

It had the most velvety, fine-grained tannins that washed across the palate with ease, with a gentle but notable acidity that maintained lift and balance. It was concentrated, complex, and had a long, elegant finish. — 7 months ago

with Deked1