Caymus 'Special Selection' Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2000
Caymus 'Special Selection' Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2000 is a 750mL bottle from the vintage that earned 95 points from Wine Spectator and 90 from Robert Parker — the celebrated best-barrel cuvée of Caymus Vineyards in Rutherford, Napa Valley. Special Selection is made only from the finest barrels of the vintage's Cabernet Sauvignon, and it remains the only wine in the world honored twice as Wine Spectator's Wine of the Year (the 1984 and 1990 vintages). A mature Napa classic now more than two decades old.
- Vintage / Size: 2000 vintage, 750mL
- Scores: 95 points Wine Spectator, 90 points Robert Parker
- Style: best-barrel Cabernet Sauvignon from the Napa Valley vintage
- Producer: Caymus Vineyards, Rutherford, Napa Valley (founded 1972, Wagner family)
- Distinction: the only wine ever named Wine Spectator Wine of the Year twice
The Twice-Crowned Cabernet
Chuck Wagner's Special Selection program started in 1975 with a simple rule: only the best barrels of the vintage get the designation. The 2000 follows that lineage — dense, velvety, and built for the long haul, the kind of bottle that made Caymus a reference point for Napa power. Browse the wine cellar or see everything from Caymus Vineyards at Del Mesa Liquor.
Tasting Notes
Nose: Rich, chocolaty plum and black currant with anise, sage, and sweet toasted oak (per Wine Spectator).
Palate: Big, sweet, and juicy — blackberry, currant, vanilla, and espresso notes over velvety tannins.
Finish: Long and firmly tannic, with dark fruit and oak spice lingering.
How to Enjoy
Decant for at least an hour and serve at cellar temperature alongside dry-aged ribeye or a slow-braised short rib. A 2000 is a fully mature bottle — open it for the anniversary table, not the weeknight pour.
Frequently Asked Questions
What scores did the 2000 Caymus Special Selection get?
95 points from Wine Spectator and 90 from Robert Parker.
What makes Special Selection different from regular Caymus Cabernet?
It is blended only from the finest barrels of the vintage, rather than the broader estate blend.
Which wines have won Wine Spectator Wine of the Year twice?
Only one: Caymus Special Selection, for the 1984 and 1990 vintages.
Is the 2000 ready to drink?
Yes — it is a mature vintage; decant before serving.
A piece of Napa history, twice crowned — add Caymus Special Selection 2000 to your cellar from Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.