Community Tasting Note
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drdan8 Does not like this wine: 85 points
May 27, 2017 - I have to concur with CSimm's evaluation of this wine. Removed from a 56 degree passive cellar and let slow ox for 2 hours. Not really much excitement on the nose with dark macerated cherry and a touch of menthol. Quite sweet on the initial attack with candied cherry, blackberry syrup, over the top sucrosity,and little to no complexity. A muddled mid palate and abrupt finish. Have 1 bottle remaing that I will probably gift to someone.
I may have enjoyed this as a novice wine consumer, but this is no longer suitable for my taste profile. Will not be repurchasing any Caymus / SS in the future. If your going to drop this type of coin on premier Napa Cabernet, I think one would be better served with offerings from Favia or Realm IMHO.5 people found this helpful 5,668 views
6 Comments
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JEP007 commented:
5/27/17, 2:38 PM - I couldn't agree more!
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csimm commented:
5/28/17, 10:33 AM - Favia and Realm! Can't go wrong there indeed!
Part of the tragedy here (in my opinion) is that I'm sure the fruit Wagner is pulling is high quality fruit. He just leaves it on the vine too long and then over processes it until it is unrecognizable as any sort of terroir-driven wine. Add the overt sweetness into the equation and you essentially have a concoction that isn't even necessary, and is barely a wine. Of course, the Caymus clan have more money in the bank than I'll ever pretend to understand in my lifetime, so what do I know?!
But for those who appreciate a certain geek factor to wine consumption, I just can't get into what this is anymore. It's doesn't even fit into words like "fun," "hedonistic," or "plush." It's beyond even those markers. It's a bachelorette party wine...I guess...at least in terms of branding and cocktail appeal. But at $150+ a pop for the SS, there are all sorts of other options out there that seem to concentration more on quality and the delineation of flavors into a profile that has actual focus. I definitely don't think I'm some rigid fundamentalist with wine, but at some point it just gets silly. DRDAN8, as you more eloquently mentioned than I ever could, I suppose this is simply no longer suitable for my taste profile. Thanks for the note! (and sorry for the soapbox rant). -
JEP007 commented:
5/28/17, 11:13 AM - Bachorette party wine, so true. Women love Caymus especially my girlfriend, so when doubt, forking out the $150 isn't always a bad play ;)
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csimm commented:
5/28/17, 11:20 AM - JEP007, you are wise beyond your years. Excellent point! Nothing wrong with bachelorette parties. Guess I better rethink my strategy on this whole thing :)
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drdan8 commented:
5/28/17, 11:54 AM - The comments here brought a nice smile to my face. I think anything that makes the fairer sex happy is a plus in my book ! I'm going to pop a 2013 Realm Farella ( 1 of 2 bottles I have ) tonight to pair with chargrilled tomahawk rib eyes, cheddar cheese grits, and grilled romaine and shiitake mushrooms. Probably just slow ox it at room temp for 45 minutes and dive in with great anticipation.I think I actually paid the same or less for the Farella than the Caymus SS.
I guess palate preference changes over time as I seem to gravitate more now towards aged Barolo/ Barbaresco. But I still love ( and always will) great Napa/ Knights Valley Cabernet that exhibits distinctive structure, terroir, and richness. The 2010 SS was such a let down and I'm glad I didn't purchase any 2012 in that warmer vintage. -
csimm commented:
5/28/17, 12:04 PM - "...chargrilled tomahawk rib eyes, cheddar cheese grits, and grilled romaine and shiitake mushrooms..."
Nice!! ...So, what time are we all coming over to your house? Ha!