Ultra Premier Wines // Château Mouton-Rothschild 2018 + Caymus 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Special Selection // Set of 2 // 750 ml Each

Although conditions in the first half of 2018 did not herald a great harvest, the record-breaking temperatures, low rainfall, and relative drought that followed in the summer months rectified the situation. The grapes were small but outstandingly rich in sugar and tannins. At Château Mouton-Rothschild, picking started with the Aile d’Argent parcels from 30 August to 5 September and continued with the red grapes from 10 September to 3 October. The wines from this harvest are intensely colored and have excellent tannic structures. They are remarkably dense and smooth, with a rare concentration of aroma and flavor. Yields were smaller because of the drought, but the vintage can already be reckoned one of our great successes.

The label for the 2018 vintage was created by Chinese artist and writer Xu Bing (b. 1955). The artwork reflects the artist’s work on the illusory splendor of appearances as manifested by his Square Word Calligraphy, which resembles traditional Chinese characters but is actually composed of the letters of the Latin alphabet. Xu Bing expresses his linguistic creativity in the invention of a unique script in which the words are absorbed into the codes of traditional Chinese ideography.

Tasting Notes
— Color: Intense, deep black color
— Aroma: The nose reveals intense ripe fruit aromas and nutmeg notes, set off by touches of mint
— Palate: The ample, full and refined attack opens on blackberry and cherry flavors lifted by a hint of spice. Generous, creamy and well-rounded tannins underpin candied flavors, giving an overall impression of succulence.
— Finish: Great balance between the fruit and the tannins paves the way for a highly refined and exceptionally long finish

Each year, Caymus Vineyards sets aside their best barrels of Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley to produce their Special Selection—the only wine in the world honored twice as Wine Spectator magazine’s “Wine of the Year.” The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon is distinguished by extremely fine, velvety tannins that make it enjoyable upon release or with aging. It's a wine of structure with intense concentration of supple flavors and dark fruits.