2018 Mayacamas Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon - USA, California, Napa Valley, Mt. Veeder (2/5/2026)
Damn this is goooood! I'm not afraid to open these young...yes it's a lot of power and structure in its youth, but in this wine, there is a wonderful "softness" to it...a Bordeaux silk if you will...you get to enjoy the pure and unblemished fruit, with all its energy and exuberance...without ripping your face off! Killer dark berry mountain fruits...liqueuered, yet dry extracted with graphite and savory crushed geology...showing a nice starter kit of complexities...kirsch, mint, cherry wood mulch, charcoal...the long everlasting finish hits you with dusty dry tannins that are LOADED with spice, as well as intoxicating florals...just GORGEOUS mouthful of young classic Napa cabernet! I'm getting more of these for sure! +pts (97 points)
Young Mayacamas is supposed to rip your face off.
I have shamefully consumed all of my somewhat mature Mayacamas.
I’m considering with trepidation if I dare open a 1999, sadly the oldest I have.
My impressions are similar to yours although my last bottle was a 2016.
The dusty tannins with underlying charcoal and spice seem to be a Mayacamas staple.
I don’t consider it a big wine by big cab standards although it is powerful in a refined style. It is kind of difficult to put your finger on it but it’s unique in a beautiful way.
I can’t think of anything very similar but Inglenook gave me some similar vibes but Mayacamas is just heads and shoulders above it.
Unfortunately, I am all out. They e-mail with offerings and library offerings so I plan to order. I have a few bottles of their chard but it just isn’t nearly as good as the cab.
Love it Buzz! Always a good night when you open a Mayacamas. I have not had a more recent vintage, so it’s great to hear they’re still making killer juice!
We opened a 2004 last night. It was not what I expected.
I expected (perhaps unreasonably) an old style CA cab in the mold of a Montelena or Mondavi of yore. What I got was very much in the mold of a “modern” Napa cab. More lush than lithe. Fruit-forward and wearing its charms on its sleeve.
Given the maker (with which I have little experience) and the vintage these things surprised. It certainly wasn’t unpleasant but not what I thought I was getting
Drinking another bottle of this tonight, and it conforms more closely to what I previously expected. Leaner, more sinewy than bottle #1. Dusty and savory, and I think there is a hint of green on the finish. I like this version too!
i had both a 2018 and 2015. each was enjoyable to me. has anyone tried the mayacamas 2017? i have tried some and dont get the same pleasure drinking it. It would be great to get someone else’s take on the 2017
The Matriarch is typical Harlan although a bit softer than the big boys in the portfolio. I was surprised how good it was for the vintage. Guarding my last two bottles.
Mayacamas on the other hand was more classic but it’s still powerful and fruit forward. Not a paradox but it’s quite different and goes for a dustier, grippy, darker style while the Matriarch hits you harder with brighter fruit.
