Let’s be honest: when you talk about the heavy hitters of California, the conversation usually starts and ends with Caymus wine. It’s the bottle everyone recognizes, the one that anchors the best restaurant lists, and—let’s face it—the one we all want in our glass. The Caymus wine Special Selection 2018 isn’t just another vintage; it’s a powerhouse release from a family that practically defined the “big, bold” style of napa wines.

For anyone passionate about wine, knowing about Caymus wine is essential.

If you’re looking for the absolute pinnacle of napa cabernets, this is the flagship. The Wagner family doesn’t just slap the “Special Selection” label on anything; they only produce it when the harvest hits an elite level. For the 2018 vintage, they hit the jackpot.

A bottle of Caymus wine Special Selection 2018, representing the pinnacle of Napa Cabernets and luxury Napa wines, displayed in a professional cellar setting.

The Wagner Legacy: Why We Love These Napa Wines

The unique characteristics of Caymus wine contribute to its undeniable popularity.

What makes this Caymus wine so different from the sea of other napa cabernet out there? It comes down to a bit of family “secret sauce” and a whole lot of patience. The Wagners have spent fifty years perfecting a style that prioritizes ripeness.

In 2018, Napa saw a near-perfect growing season. The grapes enjoyed extended “hang time,” which is just a fancy way of saying they stayed on the vine longer to soak up that California sun. This gives the Caymus wine its signature richness and concentrated fruit that puts it in a totally different league compared to other napa wines at this price point.

Tasting the 2018: A “Melted” Masterpiece

Pouring a glass of this Caymus wine is an experience in itself. The color is so deep and dark it’s almost impenetrable. Once you give it a swirl, you’re hit with an explosion of black cherry, crème de cassis, and a hint of sweet tobacco. It’s got that complex, layered aroma that you only find in top-tier napa wines.

But the real magic happens on the first sip. While some young napa cabernets can feel like they’re picking a fight with your taste buds thanks to harsh tannins, this Caymus wine is incredibly supple. The tannins feel “melted” and velvety. You’ll pick up flavors of ripe blackberry jam, espresso, and just a touch of vanilla bean. It’s decadent, it’s lush, and the finish lingers long after you’ve put the glass down. It’s basically a steak dinner’s best friend.

What the Critics Are Saying

You don’t just have to take our word for it. The 2018 vintage has been doing a victory lap with the critics, proving it can hold its own against the most expensive napa wines on the market:

  • Wine Spectator (94 Points): Loved the “lush, polished texture.”
  • James Suckling (94 Points): Called this Caymus wine “polished and poised.”
  • Natalie MacLean (92 Points): Noted those gorgeous “toasty oak spice and mocha” notes.
A high-action pour of rich red Caymus wine into a crystal glass, showcasing the deep hue typical of luxury napa wines.

Winedrops vs. The Rest: The Real Math

We know that being a savvy collector means looking at the bottom line. Let’s be real: Caymus wine isn’t cheap, but it shouldn’t be overpriced either. At Winedrops, we’ve cut out the fluff to bring you the 2018 Special Selection at a price that actually makes sense.

Our price at Winedrops is a whopping £165.That is an average saving of £34.62 per bottle. Check out how we stack up against the competition:

By grabbing your Caymus wine through Winedrops, you’re saving enough to practically buy another bottle for your cellar. Feel free to browse our internal collection of Napa wines to see how we keep things competitive across all your favorites.

The Verdict: Is It an Investment?

Whether you’re a die-hard fan of Cabernet Sauvignon or you just want one legendary bottle for a special occasion, this Caymus wine is a mandatory addition. It’s delicious right now (just give it a little time to breathe!), but it has the bones to age gracefully for another 15 to 20 years.

In short, the Caymus wine Special Selection 2018 is a piece of liquid history. It’s the ultimate expression of the sun-drenched terroir that makes napa cabernets world-famous. Don’t miss the chance to own this icon without the usual retail markup.