2005 Caymus, Special Selection Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 1x750ml

Vinous 93

(15.2% alcohol): Bright ruby. Sexy violet lift to the aromas of cassis, blackberry and minerals, plus a suggestion of iron. Supple, fine-grained and deep, with lovely integrated acidity framing and extending the dark berry and dark chocolate flavors. The floral element repeats in the mouth, giving it lift. Strong, fleshy, consistent wine, fruit-driven and long, with tannins supported by mid-palate stuffing. Nothing exotic or overbearing about the oak here. A superb vintage for this wine, with nothing exotic about the oak element. With its sweet, rich fruit and firm, fine-grained tannins, this wine is accessible 2016 but is still evolving [Stephen Tanzer, 05/01/2016]

Anticipated maturity: 2016-2024

Robert Parker 96

The 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Special Selection is made in the classic Caymus style that Chuck Wagner has perfected, seemingly so easily. It’s a big, ripe Napa Cabernet Sauvignon (as it should be) coming in at 15.2% natural alcohol. This has gorgeous notes of fig, plum, blackberry, cassis, with no real oak showing through, at least at age ten. Low in acidity, opulent, sexy and fresh, it is indeed a beverage of pleasure, and Chuck Wagner certainly knows how to deliver it in spades. This full-bodied, juicy Cabernet Sauvignon will age easily for another 10-15 years, but why wait? It is that stunning at present. [Robert M. Parker, Jr., 24/06/2015]

Anticipated maturity: 2015-2030