Although my primary focus on this website is inexpensive wines (it’s in the name of the site after all), I sometimes have an opportunity to taste wines that don’t fit in the “cheap” categorization. And every now and then I think all wine lover’s should taste the “good stuff.” After all, these are the wines that set the standard.
And in my mind, when it comes to Napa Valley cabernet sauvignon, Caymus Vineyards is the standard. I’m sure many wine consumers and critics might argue that other brands should hold that title. But for whatever reason, when I think of top notch Napa Valley cab, Caymus is the first name that comes to mind.
Caymus Vineyards is now celebrating their 40th year of producing their cabernet sauvignon and has released a special 40th anniversary bottling. The label on the bottle includes photos of the Wagner family (the owners of Caymus), celebrating the family’s history of producing this wine.
They haven’t always had a legendary status. Caymus started as a shoestring operation, producing wine with old equipment, including used barrels gifted from neighboring wineries. They filled and hand-corked the bottles one at a time in those early days. And sold the wine for a modest $4.50 per bottle. Sign me up for that deal!
One pivotal moment in their history that helps propel them to legendary status was an appearance of Charlie Wagner on the cover of Wine Spectator magazine holding a bottle of their 1983 cabernet. The headline read, “Best Damn Cabernet in California.” Although that occurred well before my wine drinking days began, I’m sure the notoriety they gained from that publicity had a lasting effect. Hence, my perception of Caymus as setting the standard.
In addition to this being their 40th year release, it also happens to be a 2012 vintage — which is considered one of the best vintages ever for Napa Valley wines.
The aromas from this wine are incredible. It’s rich, spicy, exotic and powerful, offering intense blackberry, cassis, black licorice and plum aromatics. It’s equally rich in the mouth, bringing big black cherry, blackberry, chocolate and coffee flavors. Big is an understatement with this wine. The acidity is perfect. And the mouthfeel is beautifully-velvety. It’s an amazing wine and would be even better with 5-10 years in the cellar.
Wine: Caymus Vineyards 40th Anniversary Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Variety: Cabernet sauvignon
Vintage: 2012
Alcohol: 14.6%
Rating: 94
Price: $60.00
Disclosure: This wine was received as a sample.
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