Ray Vanderhoff

8.9

Light golden color. Aromas of orchard fruit, citrus, white flowers and an intense petrol note. Bright flavors of green apple, lemon/lime, grapefruit and white peach. Hint of wet slate on the long finish. Vibrant acidity and nicely balanced. So fruit forward that bottle seemed just a touch flabby. Crisp and refreshing. Thanks for sharing, Chris B! — 2 days ago

Donald Williams

9.4

Still lovely after all these years. — 5 months ago

with Bonnie

Mike Evans

9.0

Lean but balanced. — 10 months ago

Vicki Ausloos

9.6

Love the smooth oakey finish. Very pleasing drinking wine. — 2 years ago

Glen Shikunov

9.5

May be the best Malbec I’ve ever had. Smooth blackberry jam with ripe dark fruit, less bite than typical Malbecs. Would buy again. — 5 years ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.0

Crafted by Owner/Winemaker Jenny Wagner, Emmolo named for Jenny’s maternal relatives, who came to Napa from Sicily in 1923. Vey Pale lemon color with aromas of fresh fruit, blossom and wet stone. On the palate flavors of peach, melon and lime citrus zest with some herb floral spice. Well balanced, vivid acidity, medium+ finish ending with mineral character. Nice value! — 5 years ago

Libby M

9.1

Little spice on the front end then smooth. at maxwells — 6 years ago

Maggie Harrison

9.6

tennis ball, shower curtain, white flowers. — 2 months ago

Donald Williams

9.5

Got away with more aging than recommended. Still lovely. — 5 months ago

with Bonnie

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!
— 9 months ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.2

Suisun (su-soon) Valley, which lies to the Southeast of Caymus and a 40-minute drive. Dark Ruby with aromas of dark fruit and exotic spices on this Petite Sirah. On the palate flavors of blackberry and ripe blueberry with smoky oak, herb notes and dusty drying smooth tannins. Well balanced on a long finish ending with a mineral tang. A Wagner Winner! — 5 years ago

Mark Turner

8.9

Fruit forward Malbec. Earthy with some plumb and red fruit. Not much going on mid palate but finish was earthy, with a little spice and tobacco. — 5 years ago

Mary Ellen Bonisteel

9.4

highly recommend!!! — a month ago

Peter van den Besselaar

9.2

Vintage 2017 | Tasted seven years ago, but has gained refinement and elegance. Rich smell, lemongrass, beautiful balance. — 4 months ago

Laura & John Griffin

8.9

Bought in Florida with Erica - full bodied wine - — 6 months ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.2

Deep Ruby with aromas of berry fruits, oak and floral spice notes on this Joe Wagner creation. On the palate blackberry and cherry currant flavors with hints of cedar and leather, adding some herb notes. Fine chalky tannins, good acidity, well balanced, ending with fruit and earthy mineral notes. Nice! Grab a filet! Well done Joe! — a year ago

Laura Berry

9.8

Bought at Sprouts with Jenny 2020 — 3 years ago

Matthew Cohen

9.2

Very good but lacking in complexity. A bit boring. Tropical. Mineral. Perfect balance. Just more 1er cru than GG. Lacks density. — 5 years ago

Tbone

9.3

Nose-dark fruits,black licorice,vanilla,dusty.
Taste-blackberry,cherry,plum,black licorice,can I say tobacco? Ok I taste tobacco. Wow! Thick and juicy but not fruity.
Finish-dry,medium tannins,very smooth, underlying earth tones.
Overall-even better on 2nd day opened. I could not get enough of this wine. Always impressed with Joseph Wagner wines.$22.99
$22.50 at Harry’s Savoy Grille (1/2 price bottles on Wednesdays). Enjoyed with K.Pro.
Bottom line-excellent wine. My style for sure.
Not a typical Pinot Noir. Will buy more. Thanks Joe! — 5 years ago

with Kaitlin and Kathy