Caymus Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2004

Wine Spectator Top 100 of 2007!

A burst of black fruit aromas, the essence of perfect summer berries. Sweet, ripe blackberry flavors with an undertone of mocha and toasted oak. Balancing acidity and a fine, chalky texture carry the wine through to an exceptionally long finish, with no falling off of the rich fruit flavors. From first sip to last, nothing is missing as the wine crosses the palate.

Caymus Vineyards has made Cabernet Sauvignon from the Napa Valley since the winery was founded in 1972. Charles F. (Charlie) Wagner, his wife Lorna Belle Glos Wagner and their son Charles J. (Chuck) Wagner built their winery among vines planted on the family's ranch in Rutherford, a district long recognized for producing high-quality Cabernet Sauvignons. Charlie Wagner planted most of the Cabernet vines in the mid 1960s, before this variety was universally considered the "king" of Napa Valley wines.

For both the Napa Valley and Special Selection bottlings, the goal is a balanced wine that tastes delicious when bottled but can improve with age. Chuck Wagner attributes the quality of the wines to farming and winemaking techniques developed over the decades. These techniques are open to change if improvements can be made, even if doing so requires replanting a vineyard.

"Aromas of herb, currant and cedar are richer and fuller on the palate. Firms up, with dried currant, earth, vanilla bean and herbal sage notes. The tannins are tight. Decant. Drink now through 2011."
Wine Spectator
92 Points