Michael Owczarek

10

Drank last night before Joey left for Montana, really good — 12 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

Jeremiah Diaz

9.0

Medium straw in color; green apple, jasmine, and petrol on the nose; high acidity; tastes like guava, lemons, and wet slate with a long finish. Bri says it's ok. I like it. — a month ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.1

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! — 3 months ago

Stephanie

9.6

2024 Thanksgiving dinner with dad and Linda. A very good Malbec with deep rick flavor. — 6 months ago

Abbas Zand

9.3

Medium full body, dark color
Nose: pomegranate,cola
Pomegranate and chocolate, a little sweetness, dusty, long chocolaty finish
Argentina Malbec fruit imported to Caymus by sea voyage. $45
Very good — 8 months ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.4

Deep Ruby with aromas of rich berry fruits, oak and floral spice notes on this Joe Wagner creation. On the palate flavors of blackberry, plum and cherry with hints of cacao, cedar and leather, adding some herb spice notes. Fine tannins, good acidity, well balanced, ending with fruit and sweet mineral notes. Nice! Grab a Rib-eye! Well done Joe! — 23 days 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! — 3 months ago

edward Simpson

9.3

The Eagle PN from Germany, what a real surprise, clean, and absolutely on the PN money — 6 months ago

Abbas Zand

9.1

Flinty,Pear, apple, citrus aroma.
Tropical and grapefruit flavors. Stony minerality.
Hint of grass. Not like New Zealand wines.
Medium body. Round and crisp.
From the Wagner family. approx. $20 — 8 months ago