New Year's Eve 2008 with Friends: Caymus 1996.97.98.99 plus a few special guests

B & N Ranch
Tasted Wednesday, December 31, 2008 by Arcturus with 544 views

Introduction

New Years Eve 2008 began with a cheese dish of Rogue River Blue, Stilton, Ossua Irraty and 10 yr Hook's Cheddar which was accompanied by a fine Laurent Perrier Champagne Demi Sec.

Next, we began the 1996-1999 Caymus Cab vertical. The wines were enjoyed throughout the night and during the lobster thermador and filet mignon dinner. For dessert we were treated to a Château d'Yquem paired with assorted chocolate truffels and blue cheeses.

At midnight, we toasted the new year with a a bottle of 1990 Dom Perignon.

Flight 1 (6 Notes)

  • 1996 Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon 94 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley

    Decanted 3 hours. Nose of spice, caramel, charred meat. Heavier than expected mid-palate. The tannins seemed hearty and alive- a bruiser compared to the more elegant 1997. The finish was evolved but had a heavier feel like coarse, 40 grit sandpaper vs 220 for the 1997 (but in a good way). My favorite Caymus tonight out of the 96,97,98,99 lineup. 94

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  • 1997 Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon 93 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley

    Decanted 3 hours. Nose- floral bouquet accented with a touch of licorice. Seemed feminine relative to the 96. Mediium-weight midpalate. Elegant, soft mouthfeel and fine tannins on the finish. A close second for me on the night out of the 1996,97,98,99 lineup. 93

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  • 1998 Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon 88 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley

    This was the third Caymus of the night, following the 1996, 1997..tough acts to follow. Drew a blank trying to come up with solid descriptors for the nose, muted. Mid-pa;ate was a bit light and the finish seemed abrupt. It just did not register as Caymus-caliber tonight... 88.

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  • 1999 Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon 91 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley

    4th Caymus of the night following the 1996.97.98. Decanted 2 hrs. Did not posses the finesse of the 1997, was more like the 1996 in terms of its heftiness and textured finish. Palate- black fruits and currant. 91

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  • 2001 Château d'Yquem 100 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Sauternais, Sauternes

    Wow. This was a rock concert in the mouth. Wonderful experience. I was going to score it a 99 since it is supposed to improve but it seemed as close to a perfect wine as I can imagine. 100

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  • 1990 Moët & Chandon Champagne Cuvée Dom Pérignon

    France, Champagne

    What a bummer. Not sure what happened but this champagne never showed up. Minimal nose, no complexity, no biscuits! Unfortunately a poor showing -will reserve judgement as I know this was not an adequate representative.

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Closing

An unforgettable night of great food, wine and company.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

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