SHAFER VINEYARDS Cabernet Sauvignon 'Hillside Select' - Stag's Leap District, Napa Valley 2015 Bottle

Description

The 2015 Shafer Hillside Select is an outstanding Cabernet Sauvignon that captivates with its intense bouquet of blackcurrant, ripe blackberry, and rich dark fruit. Elegant layers of cassis, cocoa, graphite, and subtle spices unfold gracefully, while silky tannins and vibrant acidity provide well-defined structure. The lengthy and refined finish leaves a lasting impression, showcasing the power and finesse of a grand Napa Cabernet from an exceptional vintage. Winemaker notes highlight the smaller berries of this vintage, packed with opulent aromas of black fruit and juicy black cherry, complemented by elegant touches of cedar and wet stone. Scoring 98+ points from The Wine Advocate and 96 points from both Vinous and Wine Enthusiast, this wine promises superb ageing potential, drinking beautifully from 2021 to 2075.

*****

Winemaker Notes: "The 2015 vintage gave us smaller berries packed with an immensity of pure, opulent aromas and flavors. This rich, polished hillside Cabernet Sauvignon overflows with black fruit, juicy black cherry, racy dried cranberry with elegant touches of cedar and wet stone. The finish is generous and persistent, while the tannins are ripe offering both a pleasurable experience now and the kind of structure that promises even more beauty with time."

THE WINE ADVOCATE 98+ points
Drink Date: 2021 - 2075
Very deep purple-black in color, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select comes bounding out of the glass with gregarious scents of crème de cassis, warm black cherries, plum preserves and Indian spices with hints of lilacs, garrigue, stewed tea and cigar box plus a waft of charcuterie. Full-bodied, rich, boldly fruited and wildly decadent, it has a rock-solid frame of grainy tannins and compelling freshness, finishing with loads of earthy and savory layers.

VINOUS 96 points
The 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select is another superb wine from Shafer in this vintage. Dark and brooding in the glass, the 2015 possesses fabulous textural intensity and overall power. Blackberry jam, espresso, bittersweet chocolate and licorice are all dialed up to the maximum. The 2015 has aged impeccably, even though it very much carries the strong oak imprint of this era. - Antonio Galloni

WINE ENTHUSIAST 96 points
Having spent three years in barrel, this 100% varietal wine (from the producer's famous hillside) is brawny in concentrated black fruit, Christmas spice and thick, firm tannin. A dusty thread of crushed rock, black licorice and flint provide exotic accents to the velvety thick grip. This will do well over time; enjoy best from 2025–2030. — Virginie Boone