It's been a while since the last time I posted on this blog. Nothing intentional or even writer's block, just life throwing some very busy moments at me. But, the blog is something I do because I enjoy it, so am glad to be back at it.
And what a wine to start back with...the 2007 Caymus Vineyards Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. It's odd having lived in San Francisco for 4 years, but I've never tasted Caymus wine. A friend gave my wife and I a bottle of the 2000 Reserve Cabernet and we have yet to open it, saving it for a special occasion somewhere down the road. I've always heard good things and have wanted to try it, but somehow it just fell further down on my list than some others.
The good news is that this wine definitely delivers on what I've heard. It's a big, aromatic California Cabernet, with so many interesting elements. Over a period of about 15 minutes I picked up blackberry, chocolate, coffee, dark cherry, paprika and herbs on the nose. So many good things, it's hard to list them all. In the mouth, it's just as extravagant, but without as many spice and herb notes, mostly cherry, plum, dark berries and espresso. It's a 15% alcohol wine, but, even at that high level, it's an incredibly well balanced wine with very firm tannins, mild but good acidity and an incredibly long finish. Definitely still a little young, but deserving of the Caymus name. This is a fabulous wine and should have the stamina to peak at about 5 - 7 years...just decant it if you want to enjoy it now.
Wine Spectator has this to say about it: Ripe and fleshy, with rich plum, wild berry, spice and savory herb notes that are complex, full-bodied and expansive on the palate, ending with firm tannins and a dash of espresso. Drink now through 2016.
Gary Vaynerchuk also just recently had the 2007 Caymus on his show at Wine Library TV Episode #749. Gary's dad is on the video as well, which always turns up some funny moments.
What you should do: Buy it. This juice isn't cheap at about $60 a bottle, but that's what you can expect from Caymus at this point. What I will say is that Caymus is a very trusted name and if you're going to drop that kind of money on a bottle of wine, then this is one of the most tried and true brands in California.
My rating: 93, between Wine Spectator and Gary and his dad.
And what a wine to start back with...the 2007 Caymus Vineyards Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. It's odd having lived in San Francisco for 4 years, but I've never tasted Caymus wine. A friend gave my wife and I a bottle of the 2000 Reserve Cabernet and we have yet to open it, saving it for a special occasion somewhere down the road. I've always heard good things and have wanted to try it, but somehow it just fell further down on my list than some others.The good news is that this wine definitely delivers on what I've heard. It's a big, aromatic California Cabernet, with so many interesting elements. Over a period of about 15 minutes I picked up blackberry, chocolate, coffee, dark cherry, paprika and herbs on the nose. So many good things, it's hard to list them all. In the mouth, it's just as extravagant, but without as many spice and herb notes, mostly cherry, plum, dark berries and espresso. It's a 15% alcohol wine, but, even at that high level, it's an incredibly well balanced wine with very firm tannins, mild but good acidity and an incredibly long finish. Definitely still a little young, but deserving of the Caymus name. This is a fabulous wine and should have the stamina to peak at about 5 - 7 years...just decant it if you want to enjoy it now.
Wine Spectator has this to say about it: Ripe and fleshy, with rich plum, wild berry, spice and savory herb notes that are complex, full-bodied and expansive on the palate, ending with firm tannins and a dash of espresso. Drink now through 2016.
Gary Vaynerchuk also just recently had the 2007 Caymus on his show at Wine Library TV Episode #749. Gary's dad is on the video as well, which always turns up some funny moments.
What you should do: Buy it. This juice isn't cheap at about $60 a bottle, but that's what you can expect from Caymus at this point. What I will say is that Caymus is a very trusted name and if you're going to drop that kind of money on a bottle of wine, then this is one of the most tried and true brands in California.
My rating: 93, between Wine Spectator and Gary and his dad.
Definitely would be interesting to try this. Not a huge Napa cab fan, but on the flip side, you never know what you don't like until you've had a chance to try it. On another note, you know if you go into some Costco's right now in LA they have the Caymus Reserve for 94$...which is kind of nuts. I don't think it's something that they would normally be able to get a hold of.
wow - that's a great price on the reserve. i haven't had it yet, but was impressed enough with the caymus napa valley that it may be worth a shot. the other reason it might be cheaper is if the vintage is off a bit - what year was it?
I want to say that it was 06, but I have to be honest that I wasn't paying attention. I'll take a look next time I'm there. Good point about the vintage...but I thought this was something that pretty much sold all the time?
I don't know what vintage...I wasn't paying too much attention. I think that it was either 05 or 06. I thought this was one of those wines where vintage didn't matter? IE, people will buy it year in, year out, because they pretty much always make good wine, and people want the prestige of Caymus.
Hello! This is not a review for the Caymus Special Selection. It's a review for the Caymus Napa Valley Cab. The Special Selection is $130.00 and the Napa Valley is $70.00. Now you can buy it from Caymus.com. Thanks for the wonderful review!