Wine Advisor
Caymus, Cabernet Sauvignon Special Selection 1984
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Description
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
Few wineries in the world can boast such an enviable record of consistent excellence as that of Caymus. No further tasting note.
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
Last Tasted 10/92 Of the recent Caymus Special Selections - 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988 - this and the 1985 are clearly the most concentrated, but neither of them possess the extract levels, depth, and length of the Special Selections produced between 1975 and 1978. Nevertheless, this stunning Cabernet reveals lavish quantities of smoky new oak in its super-ripe, jammy, blackcurrant nose. The wine has a velvety texture, oodles of fruit and extract, and that expansive, sweet taste that can only come from nearly over-ripe Cabernet Sauvignon. The oak comes through in the taste and in the finish, so be prepared for an ostentatious and dramatic wine that offers considerable flavor authority and pleasure. Drink it over the next 10-12 years.
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
Last Tasted 10/93 A consistent mid-ninety point wine, this lavishly-oaked, rich, opulent wine exhibits Caymus' tell-tale dramatic bouquet of blackcurrants, toast, coconuts, and jammy black fruits. Corpulent, chewy, full-bodied flavors possess enough acidity to provide focus and uplift. Like many Caymus Special Selections, this wine oozes with pure Cabernet fruit. Velvety-textured, yet still youthful and fresh, this super effort can be drunk now or over the next 10 years.
About the Producer
Caymus Vineyards is a well-regared and relatively historic wine producer based in Rutherford, in California's Napa Valley. Like most of the valley's famous producers, it specializes in top-end wines made from Cabernet Sauvignon, and its top wine, the Caymus Vineyard Special Selection, is notable for having been the only wine to have twice topped Wine Spectator's Top 100 list, with its 1984 and 1990 vintages. The first vintage of Caymus was in 1972, although the Rutherford property, owned by the Wagner family, has been planted to grapes since the 1940s. These were sold to other producers in Napa until the 19-year-old Chuck Wagner agreed to help his parents establish a winery on their ranch.
