1995 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Special Selection

Bright ruby. Cassis, violet and lightly tarry, spicy oak. Ripe, dense and very concentrated; thick and deep. Not at all overly sweet or dominated by the wood. Has superb material and verve. Finishes very long, with thoroughly ripe tannins. The finest vintage for this wine in a long time, and one that avoids the excesses of (American) oak that have plagued so many recent vintages. (ST)

While it is fashionable to criticize this wine because of its price, and the secrecy surrounding the amount produced (who really cares?), the wine is unquestionably outstanding. The 1995 boasts a dark ruby/purple color as well as an attractive bouquet with lavish quantities of toasty new oak and black currants. There is moderate tannin, good purity, and an open-knit, sexy style. If the wine had not fallen a bit short on the mid-palate, it would have merited an even higher score. It should drink well for 10-15 years. Based on the fame of this winery and the price of the wine, one would expect this Cabernet to compete with Colgin, Bryant Family Vineyards, Screaming Eagle, Araujo, and Harlan Estate. It does not. Nevertheless, it is an outstanding Cabernet Sauvignon. Tel. (707) 963-4204

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. (RP)