Shafer 'Hillside Select' Stags Leap District Cabernet Sauvignon 2017

Hillside Select is sourced from a collection of 14 small vineyard blocks planted within an eons-old amphitheater-like structure of rock and volcanic soil that surrounds the winery. Thanks to scant soil nutrients and moisture, yields at harvest are meager and the berries are small, about the size of blueberries. This Stags Leap District site’s combination of rugged, arid soil and climate results in lush Cabernet Sauvignon fruit with dark color and intense, classic flavor.

Grape Varietals: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon

Wine Region: Stags Leap District, Napa Valley.

Tasting Notes: “The 2017 is our 35th vintage of Hillside Select and this release more than earns its place in this classic, elegant lineage. In the glass you’ll find rich, opulent aromas of blackberry, cocoa, black cherry, rhubarb, rose water, and espresso. The mouth is a juicy, energetic cascade of summer bramble fruit, cassis, black licorice, red plum, fresh cracked pepper, and baking spice with a lengthy, compelling finish. All this decadence comes wrapped in ripe tannins for long-term aging in your cellar.” — Elias Fernandez

Food Pairing: Tomahawk Steak

Ratings:

• Jeb Dunnuck 98/100
• Robert Parker's Wine Advocate 98/100
• James Suckling 98/100

Drink in 2035-2039