Mayacamas Cabernet Mixed Case - 3x '03/'04/'05/'06

A mixed case of Mayacamas Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, composed of 3x 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006 vintages. It is extremely rare for Mayacamas to send us allocations of vintages dating this far back, and any fan of Napa Cabernet should leap at the chance to secure one of the region's most storied wines at exceptional levels of development. Since their creation, these wines have aged in the Mayacamas cellaring, offering exceptional conditions for development and care. 

2003: 

17/20 - Dark garnet. Initially more minty than the 2009. But still that herbaceous and black-olive complexity overlaying the cassis fruit and bud, a touch of soya sauce starting to show. Tannins are finely chalky, delicate but still present and still rich in lively 'mountain' fruit. More rounded than the 2009. Lots of freshness and a long smooth finish but still some compactness to the tannins. - Julia Harding MW, JancisRobinson.com

92/100 - Another wine with plenty of near and medium-term appeal, the 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon is built on texture and ripeness. Dark red cherry, plum, smoke, tobacco and spices flesh out in a supple, super-ripe Cabernet Sauvignon with no hard edges. Here, too, the flavors remain surprisingly primary. The visceral thrill of the best years is missing, but there is plenty of appeal today. Dried rose petal, cinnamon and sweet red berries linger on the close. - Antonio Galloni, Vinous

2004: 

95/100 - The 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon is scheduled to be a 2018 library release from Mayacamas. A dark, powerful wine, the 2004 is burly, powerful and a bit rough around the edges, although certainly not lacking in personality, density or character. The aromatics are just beginning to show the first signs of complexity, but the fruit is still so vibrant and fresh. Firm tannins ensure the 2004 will drink well for decades to come. I am frankly amazed by how young the 2004 is today. - Antonio Galloni, Vinous

93/100 - The most mature of the several vintages tasted on this visit, the 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon offers up hints of button mushrooms, mint and cassis on the nose, while the medium-bodied palate is still crisp and vibrant, finishing silky and long. Impressive. - Joe Czerwinski, Wine Advocate

2005: 

96/100 - The 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon is a gorgeous wine, but it also needs a good hour or more of air for some of the initial signs of funkiness to blow off. As that happens, the 2005 reveals a core of intense, concentrated dark fruit to match its brooding personality. Leather, smoke, licorice and tobacco all add to an impression of inward power, and yet in the glass, the 2005 opens up beautifully to show notable density and layers of texture that still need time to fully emerge. Although I have had better bottles, this is certainly a very fine example. Readers lucky enough to own the 2005 can look forward to several decades of exceptional drinking from this powerhouse, old school Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. - Antonio Galloni, Vinous 

94/100 - An earth-forward and rustic expression of its Mount Veeder origin, sourced from dry-farmed mountain vineyards between 550m to 730m above sea level. Aromas of brick dust, crushed violets and black plums. The palate is soft yet complete, with a texture that walks a perfect line between fullness of flavour, elegance of texture and precision. - Matthew Luczy, Decanter

94/100 - So complex, earthy and adventurous, this well-aged wine is fascinating and expressive. It offers funky leather and turned earth aromas over mellow fruit, floral, black pepper and beef flavors. Still firm in tannins, it has a long way to go. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold. - Jim Gordon, JamesSuckling.com

2006: 

95/100 - The 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon is shockingly young. Dark and brooding, the 2006 is a big, massively constituted wine that will thrill readers lucky enough to own it for many decades to come. Time in the glass brings out a whole range of savory and earthy notes. Wild black cherry, chocolate, licorice, spice and leather develop in the glass adding further layers of complexity. Amazingly, the 2006 still has room to grow. - Antonio Galloni, Vinous