I have written a few times regarding my tale of Caymus & Caymus Classic. Their vintages post 2011 and their vintages pre 2011.
I have at event tastings that Caymus was pouring, encouraged their staff to talk with Chuck to make both Caymus & Caymus Classic. Recently, I emailed them to pass on my thoughts to Chuck asking him to make both. If you liked Caymus the way it was, I encourage you to do the same. There is a dwelling amount of older, well preserved Caymus Classic vintages. info@wagnerfamilyofwine.com should you be so inclined.
Their post 2011 Caymus Cabernets are picked at higher brix and syrupy sweet. I get why Chuck changed. Many like sweeter Cabernets that drink easy young. That is not my wheelhouse.
In my intermediate wine days, I aged and enjoyed many pre 2012 vintages. This perfect bottle bought on the secondary market at around $70 is extremely well stored. The cork when I cut the foil looked slightly depressed, when I pulled it with an Ah-so was next to new.
I enjoyed this with a Ribcap, not the best wine for that steak but, ok. This 07 is more filet or NY Strip.
The nose shows; a very dark core of sweet currants. Ripe-lush-blackberries, black cherries, the blackest of plum to pudding, black raspberries, poached/slightly baked strawberries, circling raspberries, anise to black licorice, woven baking spices-cinnamon, clove, nutmeg & vanilla, caramel, dark chocolate, mellow dark spices, sweet tarriness & dark earth, dry crush limestone, moist, grey volcanic clays, dry top soil, dry tobacco, some sweet graphite, steeped black tea & withering/candied, dark, red flowers framed in liquid violets/lavender.
This bottle now nearly 18 years in bottle has not faded. It is at its precipice and will hold a few yrs. 2007 a grand Napa vintage. Decanted a little over an hour and enjoyed over the next 90-120 minutes. With this experience, another hour in the decanter is even better.
M-M+ velvety, rounded, tannins. The palate is round, ripe, lush, ruby fruits of; dark core of sweet currants. Ripe-lush; blackberries, black cherries, the blackest of plum to pudding, stewed plum, black raspberries, poached/slightly baked strawberries, circling raspberries with notes of liqueur overtones, anise to black licorice, woven baking spices-cinnamon, clove, nutmeg & vanilla, caramel, dark chocolate, black licorice, dark berry cola, distinct dark, Caynus Classic spices w/ palate heat, herbaceous notes, sweet tarriness & dark earth, dry crush limestone/rock, moist, grey volcanic clays, dry top soil, dry river stone, charcoal, notes of menthol, dry tobacco, leather, dry oak barrel shavings, some sweet graphite, steeped black tea & withering/candied, dark, red flowers framed in liquid violets/lavender, perfect, round acidity with an incredibly; balanced, well knitted-toned-structured, elegantly/smartly polished finish that goes on and on and long sets on beautiful earth & spice.
94+ This experience is becoming rarer & rarer. — 4 months ago
[Tasted on October 18, 2025 at Home]
Black cherry, raspberry and plum fruit, with fig, cocoa, tea and mandarin orange notes. — 8 months ago
Woody notes like woah — 6 years ago
2023 vintage. The epitome of Willamette Valley Pinots, earthy floral aromas on the nose, robust berry flavors on the palette, medium bodied structure, velvety smooth finish with a slight hint of spice on the tail. Under $45, very enjoyable, great pairing with pasta. — a month ago
Russell Bevan will be joining with Middleton partners on a joint project. No longer will we see this wine. Enjoy while you can. — 5 months ago
Top of this line, though big at 14.1%. Still, well balanced and so amazingly characteristic — 7 months ago
Brian Brakesman winemaker. Supple and smooth, slight vanilla, lush blackberry, subtle spice from old-vine Zin. Perfection to drink 2016 in 20121. — 5 years ago
An easy favorite. Earthy aroma, with black cherries, figs, coffee and licorice. Tannins are laced with leather, smoke and mild acidity that holds tight. — 3 months ago
Had the 2022 vintage in Feb 2026. Fruity and spicy taste and nice to drink — 5 months ago
Classic Pinot and perfect with grilled Alaskan sockeye salmon and ahi tuna. — 5 months ago
Could age longer. On the fruitier side of Syrah. Spiced plums. Dried banana. Smoked meat, tart cherry. — 8 months ago
Smooth full bodied with dark berry fruit, well balanced, drinking well now and maybe 2-3 more years when we’ll stored. — 4 years ago
Zwarte bessen, stevige body, klein zoetje in afdronk. Heerlijk met stoofvlees. — 5 years ago
Jenn
Delicious, buttery, full bodied without over powering. Memorial Day 2026 — a month ago