Big, soft Pinot! As beautiful as a Pinot gets. Enjoyed at Portavino Houston. — 3 years ago
Last bottle of the trip, taken to Napua at the Mauna Lani. Canary gold color, bright and cheery in the glass. Notes of citrus and kiwi, tropical fruit, wet stones, tan spice, vanilla and white acacia flowers. Rich and glycerol in the mouth, matched with serious acidity. Paired perfectly with a nice Onaga fresh catch, which turned out to be the best prepared fish dish of the trip. Young but drinking well. Aloha! — 3 years ago

Black cherry, raspberry, subtle black pepper and tea leaves. Interesting rec from Mark at BGarden $15 or so, wine from Macedonia — 5 years ago
At $3.49 a bottle, this is our daily staple from Trader Joe’s. Mild and full of flavor, an easy daily drinker that we always have around, especially great when entertaining guests. — 6 years ago
Earlier this week, a rep for Crown Point wines hosted a tasting to show off a few of their newer releases. New to me, they are out of Santa Barbara and have the duo of Adam Henkel (former assistant winemaker at Harlan for 8yrs) and Philippe Melka (who came on starting with the ‘15 vintage) making the wines.
This wine is their Estate Selection, which is 73% cab, 16% malbec and 11% merlot. I believe this was the first vintage for this wine. It sports a very soft profile and is made in a riper style. Aromatically it smells of baked boysenberry, fig and mixed berry pie with milk chocolate chips. The ABV is around 15.2% and it shows here. Extracted on the palate with chocolate covered dark fruits, baking spices, nutmeg and Andes mint. — 7 years ago
Melissa shared this at Swrl during post blind pizza etc. 1968 in 2/26. Fun — 4 months ago
A little funky bouquet at first. Nice vanilla finish. Some tannins. Still fairly mild. — 2 years ago
Very good Portuguese white wine. Bought at Costco. A bit pricier but worth it. Great with seafood. — 3 years ago
My first time with this producer. Very enjoyable and classic. Lemon, limestone, chalk, caramel dipped underripe Granny Smith apple, and a fruit taste I commonly get with Pinot meunier. Not sure if it’s included, but I’d venture to say it has a fair bit. On the lighter side with a fresh bite at the end. — 6 years ago
A very good easy-drinking rose wine with Chicken with Peas & Mushrooms dinner at home with H... yum yum — 7 years ago
2016 - Pleasant bouquet, color; good body and slightly oaky finish; easy to drink. Reasonable and affordable price point at 21.99 net. — 7 years ago
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!
— 10 months ago
Thankfully it doesn’t remind me of Sauvignon Blanc at all. Ryan thinks it’s too sweet — 4 years ago
First night at Sea Breeze outside...we have heat lamp which just went out!!
Hope we get past this shit soon and we can get on with life as before — 5 years ago
11.99 at Total Wine, 9-19-20 with B-R Lindsley home — 6 years ago
Very nice wine at a reasonable price. Will buy more. — 6 years ago
The finish is velvety just like the label. The 2016 is the best wine in its price range. A friend, Brant, brought it and I thought it should be an $85 wine and a good $85 wine at that. Lots of fruit, dark licorice, blackberries, the nose alone was enough to almost satisfy me but with a nose like that you just have to taste swirl it around to get the full flavor but of course swallow it. Too good to spit it out. Very impressed. This is my new house wine. Going out to buy several cases tomorrow. — 7 years ago
Tim O’Brien
Really good cab sav someone gave us for engagement, not bitter at all but still rich (in a good way) — a day ago