Caymus Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 1996

BN#134805

$114.95 SKU1182786

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This vintage, where all seemed well, produced some surprises for our Cabernet Sauvignon production. Although harvested at full ripeness before the onset of winter, some of our grapes produced wines of only above-average quality. Further, our vineyard that produces Special Selection-where we desire greater distinction-proved to produce wines quite similar to those of the vineyards that produce our Napa Valley bottling. Therefore, the wine that would normally have been bottled as Special Selection was blended into this bottling. Additionally, due to lack of color and concentration, 13% of our Cabernet and Cabernet-type production was sold in bulk to other wineries.

The wines kept for our Cabernet production showed good depth, color and purity. I remember that by March 1997, this wine showed immense sweet fruit and our "in house" character. By September 1997, this wine seemed so forward that I was proud to barrel taste it with our distributors to show off its amazing drinkability factor.

Still, in contrast with our typical regime of long-term barrel aging, this wine was bottled at just about two years in barrel. This technique of bottling Cabernet at a greater evolution has helped solidify our distinction and style of wine. I am very happy with the full extract, flavors and balance. I think this bottling represents classic Caymus Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.

For Caymus, the 1996 harvest produced grapes of ripe to very ripe condition. The resulting wine exhibits dark ruby color, moderate tannins and supple Cabernet flavors. This vintage is a blend.