Shafer Vineyards
Hillside Select Stags Leap District Cabernet Sauvignon
Stags Leap District, Napa Valley, California, USA
Yes. Inexcusable offense of drinking a baby of this magnitude. Now that we’re past that. Every year I drink a bottle of this allocation right away with differing results. The 2016 is INCREDIBLE now! The fruit is accessible, there is tremendous balance, it is mouth coating, the tannins are great throughout, and it goes on forever.
I decanted for 4 hours and sampled pop and pour then about hourly. I did not share with anyone. Don’t tell Melanie when you meet her 😉
Color is inky garnet/purple.
Nose is white flower, blueberry, stone/pencil, and licorice.
In the mouth is blueberry, black raspberry, chocolate, sweet vanilla, and finishes with a touch of pepper (first and second hour more woody oak/cedar). This is amazing. I’m sure it’ll be a 100 someday. 5 bottles left, can I wait that long?
Also wine # 500!
Yes. Inexcusable offense of drinking a baby of this magnitude. Now that we’re past that. Every year I drink a bottle of this allocation right away with differing results. The 2016 is INCREDIBLE now! The fruit is accessible, there is tremendous balance, it is mouth coating, the tannins are great throughout, and it goes on forever.
I decanted for 4 hours and sampled pop and pour then about hourly. I did not share with anyone. Don’t tell Melanie when you meet her 😉
Color is inky garnet/purple.
Nose is white flower, blueberry, stone/pencil, and licorice.
In the mouth is blueberry, black raspberry, chocolate, sweet vanilla, and finishes with a touch of pepper (first and second hour more woody oak/cedar). This is amazing. I’m sure it’ll be a 100 someday. 5 bottles left, can I wait that long?
Also wine # 500!
Soft tannin, chocolate color, blackberries, perfect with cheese.
Soft tannin, chocolate color, blackberries, perfect with cheese.
Dec 31st, 2023
Boom! If you don’t love love love this wine - well maybe you don’t like wine!! Awesome!
Boom! If you don’t love love love this wine - well maybe you don’t like wine!! Awesome!
Sep 9th, 2023
3/6/9.25 out of 100 = 93.5
Tight nose - needs a much longer decant to do it justice. Palate was very enjoyable blackberry with light spice. Surprisingly smooth with a good long finish.
2016 vintage
3/6/9.25 out of 100 = 93.5
Tight nose - needs a much longer decant to do it justice. Palate was very enjoyable blackberry with light spice. Surprisingly smooth with a good long finish.
2016 vintage
Great, bold, heavily spiced Napa Cab. that stood out like the arrogant American tourist with the European elegance of the flight. Being American, it made me smile. Let it breathe, it settled down and showcased why it deserved a seat at the table. (I may have enjoyed listening to the gentleman across from me have to take back his initial thoughts)
Great, bold, heavily spiced Napa Cab. that stood out like the arrogant American tourist with the European elegance of the flight. Being American, it made me smile. Let it breathe, it settled down and showcased why it deserved a seat at the table. (I may have enjoyed listening to the gentleman across from me have to take back his initial thoughts)
Aug 26th, 2022
Hard not to be seduced by this decadent beauty. Knocking on the door of perfection.
Hard not to be seduced by this decadent beauty. Knocking on the door of perfection.
Dec 10th, 2021
RP 100 pt. Wine dinner 6+ hrs decanting
RP 100 pt. Wine dinner 6+ hrs decanting
Nov 15th, 2021
Had this wine for my birthday dinner at Ruth’s Chris. Amazing wine!! Deep garnet colored, floral nose with blueberry and oak. Perfectly ripe blue/dark fruit, tannins smoothing out, perfectly balanced and structured. This wine drank great through a 2 hour meal. I need to pick up some these ‘16s as they are drinking great now and will certainly age for a long time.
Had this wine for my birthday dinner at Ruth’s Chris. Amazing wine!! Deep garnet colored, floral nose with blueberry and oak. Perfectly ripe blue/dark fruit, tannins smoothing out, perfectly balanced and structured. This wine drank great through a 2 hour meal. I need to pick up some these ‘16s as they are drinking great now and will certainly age for a long time.
Oct 4th, 2021Absolute killer Shafer Hillside Select will rival the 2007 and 2012. Drinking beautifully now. 4+ hours of decanting did help. I like to trying a bottle young.
Absolute killer Shafer Hillside Select will rival the 2007 and 2012. Drinking beautifully now. 4+ hours of decanting did help. I like to trying a bottle young.
Sep 18th, 2021