Caymus Special Selection Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

Caymus Special Selection Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 is a 750ml, 15.7% ABV Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon composed entirely of the finest barrels selected each vintage. Rated 94 points by Wine Spectator, this expression comes from the only wine label in history to earn Wine Spectator's Wine of the Year distinction twice — in 1984 and 1990.

Quick Facts: ABV: 15.7%  |  Origin: Napa Valley, California  |  Vintage: 2018  |  Producer: Caymus Vineyards (Wagner Family)

Production & Heritage

Caymus Vineyards was founded by the Wagner family in Napa Valley's Rutherford area, and the Special Selection bottling represents the pinnacle of their Cabernet Sauvignon program. Each vintage, the winemaking team sets aside the most exceptional barrels from their Napa Valley fruit, which undergoes an extended "hang time" technique — leaving clusters on the vine significantly longer than conventional harvest schedules to develop deeper color, suppler texture, and more fully resolved tannins. The 2018 vintage is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, reflecting a warm and consistent Napa growing season that produced wines of notable concentration and balance.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The glass opens with waves of cassis and blackberry compote, followed by deep layers of espresso crema and roasted vanilla bean. Darker undertones of chocolate and sweet tobacco emerge as the wine breathes.

Taste: The entry is immediately lush, with plum sauce and blackberry preserves coating the palate. Mid-palate brings licorice and dark chocolate, carried by extremely fine, velvety tannins that distinguish this wine from more angular Napa Cabernets. The oak integration is seamless, adding structure without overwhelming the fruit.

Finish: Powerful and lasting, with flashes of sweet tobacco and warm earth lingering well after each sip. The tannin resolution is remarkably smooth, leaving a polished, almost creamy texture that slowly fades.

How to Drink Caymus Special Selection

This wine is best served at cellar temperature (60–65°F) and benefits from 30–60 minutes of decanting to fully open. Given its concentration and depth, it shines as a standalone sipper or alongside rich cuisine — cocktail applications are not appropriate for a wine of this caliber.

Best For

• Gifting a serious Napa Valley Cabernet collector
• Anchoring a special anniversary or milestone dinner
• Cellaring for future enjoyment through the mid-to-late 2030s
• Pairing with a prime dry-aged steak or holiday roast

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Caymus Special Selection taste like? It delivers bold, ripe black fruit — cassis, blackberry preserves, and plum sauce — layered with espresso, chocolate, and sweet tobacco, all carried by exceptionally fine, velvety tannins.

How does Caymus Special Selection compare to Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon? Silver Oak tends toward a more structured, restrained style with prominent American oak influence and a longer aging program before release. Caymus Special Selection leans into immediate opulence and hedonistic fruit concentration, with silkier tannins and richer dark-fruit intensity at a higher ABV.

Is Caymus Special Selection good for cellaring? Yes — the 2018 vintage's tannin structure, acidity, and concentration suggest it will continue to evolve favorably for at least a decade, though it is already drinking beautifully upon release.

Where is Caymus Special Selection made? It is produced by Caymus Vineyards, a Wagner family estate located in the Rutherford area of Napa Valley, California, using 100% Napa Valley-sourced Cabernet Sauvignon fruit.

What foods pair well with Caymus Special Selection? Dry-aged ribeye steak complements its bold tannins and dark fruit. Braised short ribs mirror its richness and earthy undertones. Dark chocolate desserts echo its cocoa and espresso notes. Hard aged cheeses like Parmigiano-Reggiano provide a savory counterpoint. Herb-crusted lamb rack highlights the wine's licorice and vanilla nuances.

What sizes does Caymus Special Selection come in? The standard release is a 750ml bottle, with 1.5L magnums occasionally available for select vintages.

Is Caymus Special Selection worth the price? It positions firmly in the premium-to-luxury tier of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, and its twice-recognized Wine of the Year pedigree, barrel-selection process, and consistent critical acclaim — including 94 points from Wine Spectator for this vintage — place it among the most respected bottlings in its price range.

Why Caymus Special Selection?

The Special Selection is not simply a reserve-tier wine — it is the result of a rigorous barrel-by-barrel cull from an already highly regarded Napa Valley Cabernet program. The extended hang-time technique employed by the Wagner family produces tannins of unusual fineness, giving this wine a textural signature that few competitors in the category replicate. The 2018 vintage earned 94 points from Wine Spectator, reinforcing a decades-long track record that includes the only two Wine of the Year honors ever awarded to the same label. For collectors and enthusiasts seeking a Napa Cabernet that combines immediate drinkability with genuine aging potential, this bottling consistently delivers on its reputation.