Napa Valley, United States · USA
2019 Caymus Vineyards Special Selection Cabernet Sauvignon
Caymus Special Selection 2019: the flagship of one of Napa's most decorated producers, in its drinking window now and approaching peak.
- Varietal
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- ABV
- 16%
- Vintage
- 2019
Drinking Window
In 2026: Approaching PeakDrinkable, but best years are ahead. Peak begins 2027.
Right now: At seven years old in 2026, the wine is in its drinking window and one year out from peak. The plush mid-palate Caymus is known for is in full force; the tannins have polished without losing grip; the dark fruit is generous but starting to develop the secondary tobacco and earth notes that come with age. Open one tonight and drink it for what it is. The window stays open through 2037, so you have runway either way.
Tasting Note
Deep purple-ruby in the glass, dense to the rim. The nose opens with blackberry, blackcurrant, and grape skin, layered with lead pencil, pine cone, blackberry jam, and pipe tobacco. Notes of clove, cedar, and a fold of dark chocolate fill out the aromatic profile. The palate is full-bodied, rich, and built around round, polished tannins; juicy black fruit dominates the mid-palate, supported by a savory, mineral-tinged backbone. The 16 percent alcohol carries warmth without burn. The finish is bright, classy, and long, holding the dark fruit on through the final swallow. James Suckling rated this 96 points; Wine Spectator gave it 94.
The 2019 Vintage
2019 in Napa Valley followed a wet winter with abundant rainfall that recharged soils after the dry years. The growing season was warm and generous, with consistent sunshine and minimal stress, producing wines of ripeness, density, and immediate generosity. Top producers released wines from 2019 with both early appeal and the structure to age, though the vintage as a whole leans more toward power and richness than the bright, classical 2018. For Caymus, whose house style favors ripe, rich, polished wines, 2019 played to type: the Special Selection from this year is among the most lavish recent releases.
About Caymus Vineyards
Caymus Vineyards has been one of Napa Valley's most recognized names since Charlie Wagner founded it in 1972. The Special Selection is the flagship Cabernet, made from the best lots in any given vintage and aged in new French oak. The house style is unmistakable: ripe, rich, plush, deeply textured, with no apology for power. Caymus essentially created the template for the modern American Cabernet category, and the Special Selection sits at the top of that lineage.
Food Pairings
Dry-aged ribeye, medium-rare
The wine's richness and power want a steak that can match it. Char and high-quality beef fat give the polished tannins traction.
Slow-braised short ribs with red wine reduction
Long-cooked beef and the wine's own savory mid-palate align. The reduction creates a flavor bridge to the dark fruit.
Aged cheddar (5+ years) with quince paste
A sharp, crystalline aged cheese matches the wine's structure. Quince adds a fruit accent that mirrors the developing secondary notes.
Service & Cellaring
- Serving Temp
- 60-64F (16-18C)
- Decanting
- 60 to 90 minutes ahead of service. The wine is dense and benefits from air to open up.
- Cellar Storage
- 55F (13C), 60-70% humidity, bottle on its side.
Frequently Asked
Is the 2019 Caymus Special Selection ready to drink in 2026?
Yes. The wine entered its drinking window in 2024 and peak begins in 2027. It is showing well now and will continue to improve through the early 2030s.
How long will it age?
Top Caymus Special Selection vintages routinely cellar for 15 to 18 years from vintage. The projected window runs through 2037, with peak between 2027 and 2032.
Why is the alcohol 16 percent?
The Caymus house style favors fully ripe fruit at extended hang times, which produces high natural sugar and high resulting alcohol. The wine is balanced because the structure (tannin, oak, extract) carries the warmth. Drinkers used to lower-alcohol European wines may find it richer than expected.
Is 2019 a good Napa vintage?
Yes. 2019 followed a wet winter and produced wines of richness, ripeness, and density. It leans more lavish than the structured 2018, but it is a strong year by any measure.
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