2008 Caymus Special Select Cabernet Sauvignon Napa

(94 points) The 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Special Selection is the first example of this cuvee to include Merlot (about 14%) in the blend. The Merlot component has given the wine a cocoa/chocolate nuance to its black currant, licorice-infused fruit. The tannins are velvety soft and the wine is beautifully textured and full-bodied. It is ideal for drinking now and over the next 15 years. From one of Napa Valley’s historic winemaking families, these are two very strong back to back vintages for Caymus. The good thing about these two cuvees is that they are widely available as nearly 20,000 cases of each were produced. Wine Advocate #192 Dec 2010