Caymus Vineyards produces two Cabernet Sauvignons – a “Napa Valley” and the venerable “Special Selection”. Both Cabernet bottlings have aromas and flavors which can only be achieved through “hang time” – a technique which chances the loss of crop if early winter sets in. The Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon bottling is a rich, fruit-driven wine with enticing secondary flavors contributed by new oak barrels. The wine is always a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon grapes taken from eight of Napa Valley’s sixteen AVAs.

The 2014 vintage was warm and dry in Napa Valley. Although the third drought year in a row, lack of water didn’t seem to hurt the crop as yields were excellent. With that warmth, the vintage began and ended early overall. However, the season was also devoid of heat spikes, so acidity in the grapes remained solid through harvest. That and the dry weather were perfect for Caymus’ style of long hang-time winegrowing.

The 2014 Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon is deep purple—virtually black—in the glass and full-bodied with plush tannins in the mouth. Intensely flavored with a core of blackberry, black cherry and black currant fruit, this Caymus wine is immediately accessible but will evolve well for 10-15 years.