One of the iconic wineries in California, Caymus built a name for themselves by crafting some stunning Cabernet wines for decades. While some might say that Caymus Cabernet has taken a step back in quality, as their hedonistic style of wine is might not be loved by all, I can frankly respond that this writer is absolutely enchanted by these recent set of releases. Their new Cabernet bottling show not only gobs of fruit but an incredible minerality that accompanies the mid-palate richness. That combination of fruit weight and tension in the wine really excites me.
Back in 1972, Chuck Wagner started Caymus Vineyards with his parents, Charlie and Lorna, and created incredible success with their wines. Caymus Cabernet is sourced from 8 of Napa Valley's 16 appellations and the Caymus ‘Special Selection’ is the only wine in the world to be honored twice as Wine Spectator magazine's “Wine of the Year” for the 1984 and 1990 vintages.
Caymus and their Wagner Family of Wines produces everything from Chardonnay to Sauvignon Blanc to even a pretty killer Rose. For those who do not enjoy huge extraction in their wines, kindly glance away. Like last years release, the 2016 Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon (WWB, 94) shows amazing intensity on the mid-palate with a gorgeous finish. Even better is the new 2015 Caymus ‘Special Selection’ Cabernet Sauvignon (WWB, 97) which is one of the great Napa wines I have sampled in the past year. This seductive new wine exudes class, with serious range on the mid-palate that combines with the glorious fruit weight and minerality. This massive wine really needs at least another year in the cellar to fully sing its high C. Learn more about these outstanding new wines at https://www.caymus.com Here are the beautiful new release wines by Caymus Vineyards.
2016 Emmolo Merlot- Entirely sourced from the Napa Valley, and weighing in at 15.2% alcohol, the wine starts off with baking spice, blackberry cobbler and mocha aromas that fill the glass. The palate is silky, revealing a beautiful texture as the wine glides across the mid-palate. Mocha, chocolate covered dark cherry and cassis flavors all combine marvelously in the glass. Ripe and generous, this delicious wine will continue to drink well over the next decade. Drink 2019-2029- 92
2016 Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2016 Caymus Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is sourced from eight separate districts across the Napa Valley. Inky in color, this begins with alluring aromatics of ripe dark fruits and wild blackberry cordial along with roasted figs and milk chocolate which continue to bring you back to the glass. On the palate this possesses a wonderful opulent mouthfeel as well as a seamless quality that makes this nearly impossible to resist. Flavors of crème de cassis, mocha, tar, graphite and blackberry jam continue to build on the palate and expand through the long finish. A stunning wine, with outstanding weight and poise, this will cellar marvelously for the next fifteen plus years. Drink 2019-2033- 94
2015 Caymus ‘Special Selection’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2015 Caymus ‘Special Selection’ Cabernet Sauvignon is an epic follow-up to the exceedingly good 2014 edition of this wine. The wine shows considerably better following a two hour decant. An inky, glass-staining purple color with a core resembling a black hole, this massive wine begins with aromas reminiscent of creme de cassis, dark chocolate shavings, graphite, blueberry compote and licorice candy. The fruit weight that engulfs the mid-palate exudes decadence. Mouth-watering acidity alongside black tea, Black Forest Cake and creme de cassis flavors with lighter earthy undertones all entice the senses on the palate. While obviously not for the weary, this gorgeous wine is impossible to resist now and will provide drinking enjoyment over the next two decades. Drink 2020-2040- 97