Napa Valley Wine Review
With the 2012 holiday season winding down, we hope that you’ve enjoyed a month of memorable experiences with loved ones. 
We’re feeling especially thankful for all that we have. And, like us, we hope you’ve indulged in some unforgettable wines over the past few weeks.
Tonight, we opted for Caymus 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon (14.4% alcohol) to accompany our now traditional Christmas Day dinner of Spicy Soy-Glazed Short Ribs. Admittedly, all but half a glass each was remaining by the time this slow-cooked meal was ready. Among the handful of special-occasion bottles we plucked from the cellar, this one seemed the most fitting for our meal. There’s just something comforting and consistent about the wine from Caymus Vineyards – which complements the feelings of Christmas night. The 2009 ($65/bottle) again delivered on our expectations. What surprises us more than anything is that its production nears 70,000 cases. (The good news is, you can get it just about anywhere.)
After decanting for about an hour, we observed notes of plum, blackberry, cocoa and allspice on the nose. On the palate, vanilla and nutmeg were most prominent and it delivered a tremendous, long finish. The last few sips did pair well with our short ribs. Caymus 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Rating: 4.63
Wine Tasting at Caymus Vineyards
We’ve visited Caymus three or four times and return because we really like the experience. In fact, this past February, we just so happened to be in the entryway when a fellow Caymus enthusiast brought in his 1975 and 1978 Cabernets to share with anyone who wanted to partake. The ’78 was past its prime, but the ’75 was still drinking. It was great to be able to 
try wines with that kind of age.
During the “official” appointment-made tasting sessions, which are what we’ve always done, you can expect to be grouped with up to six others. We usually taste at least four wines, including their Sauvignon Blanc, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon and Special-Selection Cabernet Sauvignon. One tip, if you like the first two, snag them while you’re there, as they are winery-only offerings. I’m still regretting the decision not to purchase one of their aged Sauvignon Blancs recently – yes, aged. By the time I got home and tried, they were out. In the past year, they have opened the winery and tastings to include other Wagner-family wines, including Mer Soleil, Belle Glos and Conundrum. They also began offering more casual, pop-in tastings.
Header image courtesy of Grape.com.
