Tasting Report: 2007 Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon might just be the definitive aspirational Napa Cab. Readily available yet highly sought after, familiar yet prestigious, and ever-present in steakhouse cellar windows. Consistent as all get-out. Since 1998, Wine Spectator has rated every vintage between 91-93 points (all outstanding).
Consumers are impressed as well. As of this writing, every vintage from 2001-2006 has a median rating of 92 on Cellar Tracker. The 2007 vintage is seeing an uptick however. After 36 ratings, the 2007 vintages carries a median of 93. People aren't frequently disappointed when they buy a bottle of Caymus.
I'm hearing rumblings that it might be advisable to buy few 2006 Napa Cabs in favor of the 2007 vintage that's now coming to market from wineries that release their wines on the early side. In the grand scheme of things, talking vintage variation and Napa Cabs is a bit of a silly pursuit. It rarely rains during the growing seasons and the conditions vary from "good" to "great" and high quality names like Caymus can typically manage their way to success.
Here are my tasting notes for this wine:
2007 Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon
When I first opened this wine, I thought it was just another solid effort from the folks at Caymus. But after it breathed for just a little while I'm thinking this vintage might be a high water mark for Napa Cab. Classic Cabernet aromas of black currant with a touch of vanilla. Perhaps a little nutmeg. On the palate this wine is straight cola in a good way. Hardly tannic at all and it's only 2 years old. I was worried it was going to be a little young, but that's not the case. Perhaps not highly age-worthy but I thought this was an outstanding wine. A value at around $55 retail ($70 release price).
94 WWP/Outstanding
Search for this wine on wine-searcher.com
Or find it on Wine.com:
This is a Wine.com affiliate link.
Further Reading:
- Lewelling Vineyards has supplied grapes to Caymus in the past, and they make some great wines of their own. Read more about Lewelling HERE
- The 2007 California Pinot Noir vintage was hailed by Wine Spectator as being best-ever. Read more about there HERE. Will 2007 Napa Cab receive similar accolades?