Shafer Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select 2019

Shafer Vineyards’ Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon is a benchmark wine from the Stags Leap District in Napa Valley, California. The 2019 vintage continues the tradition of excellence, showcasing the estates commitment to crafting wines of extraordinary depth, elegance, and age-worthiness.

Winemaking and Aging

The 2019 Hillside Select is made entirely from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, sourced from Shafer’s estate hillside vineyards. These steep, rocky slopes produce low-yielding vines with intensely concentrated fruit. The wine was aged for 32 months in 100% new French oak barrels, contributing to its luxurious texture and layered complexity.

Tasting Notes

• Appearance: Deep purple with inky intensity.
• Nose: Aromas of ripe black cherry, cassis, and red summer berries, complemented by notes of cedar, violets, and subtle hints of camphor and spice.
• Palate: Full-bodied and velvety, with flavors of blackcurrant, blackberry, and dark chocolate. The wine is flawlessly balanced with fine-grained tannins and vibrant acidity, leading to a seamless, long, and elegant finish.

Critical Acclaim

• Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate: 98 points Lauded for its intense aromatics, concentrated palate, and extraordinary depth.
• Jeb Dunnuck: 98+ points Highlighted as “another magical vintage,” with exceptional balance, power, and refined complexity.
• Wine Enthusiast: 97 points Praised for its opulent texture and remarkable aging potential.

Serving and Cellaring

The 2019 Hillside Select is best served at 6065F (1618C). Decanting for at least an hour is recommended to allow the wine to open fully and reveal its intricate aromas and flavors. While already showing its promise, this vintage will age gracefully for decades, with an optimal drinking window from 2025 to 2055.

Conclusion

The 2019 Shafer Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon is a masterpiece that reflects the pinnacle of Napa Valley winemaking. With its depth, balance, and exceptional complexity, this wine is a true collectors gem and a testament to Shafers legacy of excellence.