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!
— 14 hours ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.1

Crafted by Joseph J. Wagner, 4th generation winemaker, with winemaking roots in the Napa Valley since 1906. Deep Ruby with red berry fruit aromas, tea and sweet spice notes. On the palate flavors of jammy blackberry and cherry with pronounced sweet vanilla oak, cacao and pepper spice notes. Soft tannins and bright acidity, well balanced, with mineral tones on a long finish ending with toasty spice! Nice! — 6 months ago

Reed H Whitman

9.1

Great wine from Oregon goes good with steak and ceasar salad.takes time to open up. — 2 months ago

Steve Rura

9.0

Very unique expression of SB. Nod to the French, but entirely its own thing. Grapes are 61% from WA, 39% from OR. Lemony, delicate white Burg like aromatics. Palate is still citrus, but with more vanilla, honeysuckle, honey, pineapple and garden greens. No grassiness like NZ-style. Soft finish with good length, gentle acidity, nuttiness and some astringency. Very good, very versatile. — 4 months ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.0

A wine from Jorge Ordóñez and his winemaking team. Pale lemon color with crisp stone fruit and citrus aromas. On the palate flavors of apple, pear and melon with lemon citrus, consistent offering from La Cana. Medium finish ending with fruit, spice and mineral tang. Nice value. — 5 months ago

Brad Kligman

9.4

Great random weeknight red wine — 9 months ago

S.S. Mandani

9.1

Doing a Chardonnay flight!

Slightly more heat. From the nose, I predict more fruit flavors. Heavy lemon. More white flowers. A bit of that buttery/creaminess.

Oh yeah. That’s the stuff. A side by side comparison of Matthiasson and Sandhu is v interesting and a lesson in winemaking and different climates of Napa and Santa Rita Hills.

A bit of mako but not a ton to help lower the acidity. More primary fruit characteristics. Lemon. White flowers. Slight butter. And actually a bit leafiness, which I love. — 3 months ago

Caleb Kneip

8.9

The "un" misleads to thinking its unoaked, but it is very much oaked.
Lemon meringue and bread yeast finish. Good lively acidity still, not an opulent and rich chardonnay. — 4 months ago

David Shaw

9.0

Fresh, blueberry,, raspberry and cherry flavors, light tannins, just a touch more acid without becoming tart. Chill slightly. — 7 months ago

Carla

9.8

Chris smith really likes. Ben and I like too — 10 months ago