Notes from the Winemaker:
The 2008 vintage: an extended, dry growing season allowed for completion of harvest during “Indian summer" between a few fall showers. Such conditions allowed the fruit to ripen further and this "extended hang time” developed a wine of greater color, less acidity, and fine textured qualities.
One might say that 2008 is a vintage where the wine was "made in the vineyard.” We monitored the ripeness daily, harvesting the grapes as they matured to our desire—and produced a dark, richly flavored wine in the process.
As a rule I do not believe that "single vineyard bottlings" provide the most special wines of the Napa Valley. This 2008 vintage is an example of how a blending of cabernets from selected sites throughout the Napa Valley—Calistoga to Napa City, can create great dimension and complexity in a wine. The grapes that produce our cabernet are all located at very desirable sites for this variety. An additional and significant fact about Caymus cabernets is that the wine is a blend of Mountain and Valley fruit; creating yet another dimension of richness in character.
The tannin levels of our wines are higher and the acidity lower than most other Napa Cabernets. Our processes from vineyard to the winery are responsible for this desirable combination. The wine is "nuanced" with French oak aging for 16 months before bottling. Our goal is to make wine that tastes exciting in its youth or in its wisdom of 10 years or more.
Making wines in the Napa Valley has been our family tradition for over 100 years. In our household the wines are served with a meal and enjoyed with friends and family.
What Does It Taste Like?
Dark scarlet color and near opaque. Nose is assertive with a vibrant
array of showy characteristics—cassis, vanilla, cranberry, French oak,
coffee and potpourri. The palate of this wine shows ripeness of mature
grapes, fruit impressions then expands to richness with fine gritty
tannins. Abundant with layered flavors of brown spice, toasted oak,
white pepper and creme de cassis— very rich yet harmonious and supple..
Chuck Wagner
Winemaker
Ratings & Reviews:
93 Points & "Hot Wines" - Wine Spectator Magazine:"Open fruit, rich, lush and layered, serving up a complex mix of plum, blackberry, black licorice and spices. Full-bodied and supple-textured, ending with a long, persistent finish that keeps repeating the core flavor themes. Drink now through 2018. From California." -J.L. (9/29/2010)
92 Points - Wine Spectator Magazine ('07 vintage):"Ripe and fleshy, with rich plum, wild berry, spice and savory herb notes that are complex, full-bodied and expansive on the palate, ending with firm tannins and a dash of espresso. Drink now through 2016. 37,800 cases made." -JL (11/2009
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