Winemaker Notes
The primary aromas are of black currants, blackberries, brown spices and dark-roasted coffee beans. In the mouth, the wine is lush and expansive, rich in berry fruit with a firm "grip" that makes the wine's texture an important part of its character. The finish is long and classic—ripe fruit dominates.
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Caymus has been around for so long there is a tendency to under-estimate their wines. However, they have a brilliant track record as evidenced by the decade old 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon Vintage Selection. Abundant chocolaty, black currant, licorice and coffee aromas soar from the glass of this perfumed wine. It exhibits an opaque ruby/purple color, wonderful opulence, a deep, full-bodied mouthfeel, fabulous depth and not a hard edge to be found.
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Wine Enthusiast
A lush textured wine that shows gobs of blackberry, cherry, plum, coffee, spice, herb and anise flavors, all framed in firm, ripe tannins. The finish is long, with a spicy edge. Quite intense and full-on.
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Wine Spectator
Aging very well, with ripe, juicy wild berry, jam and spice. Full-bodied and persistent, gaining velocity and depth, impressive for its vibrancy and focus. Ends with firm tannins.
One of the most prestigious wines of the world capable of great power and grace, Napa Valley Cabernet is a leading force in the world of fine, famous, collectible red wine. Today the Napa Valley and Cabernet Sauvignon are so intrinsically linked that it is difficult to discuss one without the other. But it wasn’t until the 1970s that this marriage came to light; sudden international recognition rained upon Napa with the victory of the Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars 1973 Cabernet Sauvignon in the 1976 Judgement of Paris.
Cabernet Sauvignon undoubtedly dominates Napa Valley today, covering half of the land under vine, commanding the highest prices per ton and earning the most critical acclaim. Cabernet Sauvignon’s structure, acidity, capacity to thrive in multiple environs and ability to express nuances of vintage make it perfect for Napa Valley where incredible soil and geographical diversity are found and the climate is perfect for grape growing. Within the Napa Valley lie many smaller sub-AVAs that express specific characteristics based on situation, slope and soil—as a perfect example, Rutherford’s famous dust or Stags Leap District's tart cherry flavors.