Kath Rt

9.0

citrusy -light wine :) — 9 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. — 2 days ago

Conrad Green

9.4

Light and fresh with lemon and a soft steeliness. Precise and balanced with fine acidity. Excellent — 4 months ago

with Chris, Matt and 2 others

Adam Rabayda

9.0

Light, dry but not too dry. Almost sparkling but no added bubbles — 4 days ago

Julia Indik

9.0

This is a wine from the Pelaverga grape, which I learned was almost extinct decades ago. Reminiscent of Pinot noir with bold contrasts of strawberries and floral notes and an edge of acid and bitters. Level and elegant and also easy to drink. — 22 days ago

with Robert

Andrew Cullimore

9.1

Medium ruby garnet , quite wide light garnet rim. Quite round sweet red cherry , spiced strawberry , blackberry , quite fruit driven still . With some tobacco and earthy hints . On the palate this is more red fruited , quite spiced cherry and strawberry with iodine hints and seaside notes . Good fresh acidity and quite rounded ripe tannins . Not particularly dense or intense on the palate , but well balanced and elegant with a reasonable , iron filling tinged finish . This is showing well now , and will continue to do so over the next 5-8 years. From magnum — 2 months ago

Chris Buggy

9.0

Super light, super fresh… could not think of a better summer sipper — 7 days ago

with Jennifer

Ray Vanderhoff

9.2

Blend of Grenache (34%), Barbera (32%), Counoise (16%), Mourvèdre (14%) and 4% other assorted red grapes. Light salmon pink color. Aromas of citrus fruits, red berries and white flowers. Flavors of strawberries, raspberries, orange, green melon, grapefruit and lemon. Lovely hint of salty and chalky minerality on the finish. Creamy texture (lees contact?) and very crisp acidity. Light bodied, clean and refreshing. Wonderful pairing with a salad. — 2 months ago

Sue Cooper

8.9

Very nice, smooth red. Good easily make it a favourite red. — 3 months ago

Nate Wall

Winemaker at Troon Vineyard

9.0

That’s seriously delicious. Fresh, vibrant, balanced. Wild red fruits with a hint of herbal, basil? Thyme? Really lovely. Light-med body, almost glou-glou - could def take a slight chill. Really lovely from Cos. — 3 months ago