2010 Caymus Special Select Cabernet Sauvignon Napa

(93 points) The 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Special Selection is, big, rich, voluptuous and totally sexy. Mocha, chocolate, plums, sweet spices and black cherries jump from the glass in this full-bodied, intense wine. This is one of the more immediate wines of the vintage, but all the elements are very nicely balanced. Once again Caymus has produced a gorgeous Special Selection that is delicious on its own, but that is also remarkable for a relatively large production of 9,600 cases that will make it easy to find. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2025.

Caymus remains very much a family run operation, with Chuck Wagner’s son Joseph now increasingly involved in the business. Vintage 2010 was a tough one for Caymus, as yields were down 60% from 2009, but in exchange the Wagners have been rewarded with a gorgeous edition of their flagship wine. During my visit, I also tasted a number of prior vintages, the most impressive of which was the 1999, a wine that is drinking beautifully today. Wine Advocate #204  Dec 2012 Antonio Galloni