Shafer Winery - Hillside Select 2015

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: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon

Region: Stags Leap District, Napa Valley

Nose: This rich, polished hillside Cabernet Sauvignon overflows with briary black fruit, juicy black cherry, racy dried cranberry.

Palate:  The palate blossoms with further black licorice, and freshly cracked pepper with elegant touches of cedar, baking spice, and wet stone.

Finish: The finish is generous and persistent, while the tannins are ripe and integrated.

Ratings:

• Wine Spectator 95/100
• Wine Advocate 98/100
• James Suckling 98/100
• Wine Enthusiast 96/100

Drink in 2032-35