October 16, 2021 - Tasted blind, this wine had a deep purple center with a touch of red at the rims. It looked like a 5-10 year old wine! The medium intensity nose generated blackberry, wax, mineral, menthol, and some leesy notes.
In the mouth, this wine was ripe and rich and yet light on its feet. It displayed rounded tannin, firm acidity, and excellent length. It was ripe enough that it had a "jammy" texture but it did not come off as heavy.
This bottle still seemed quite young and would have showed exciting potential. However, the leesy note in the nose was troubling as this suggested a wine-making flaw that will probably not dissipate. Thus, I don't see upside here based on just this one bottle.
January 20, 2020 - Bottle and cork seemed in quite good condition. However, this wine seemed tired and lacking fruit. Dried red fruit, cigar, pepper and beans. I was not a fan of the vegetal element and pyrazines as Shafer is usually a fruit and oak driven cab. I had a much better bottle about 8 years ago. This wine is past peak and I advise drinking up. It came 8 of 12 in a lineup of comparable Napa Cabernet based wines.
October 22, 2019 - Shafer Hillside Select in Boston - Take II (Boston): Soft tannins and medium fruit. Mature. Beautifully balanced with excellent finish. Probably at peak now.
May 13, 2019 - Opened 2-3 hours prior to serving into Galateo Burgundy glass (“No” day): Medium ruby with very slightly bricking rims.
Pronounced green bell peppery notes with darker red and black fruits. Delicate white spices.
Nicely acidic and mineral. A little woody that seems a little “sweet” on the finish.
92 points.
February 9, 2019 - Another Saturday at Chevalier...Mostly Blind Cabernet (Chevalier Fine Wines - Chicago IL): Corked.
February 3, 2019 - Tasted blind, this wine had a deep red/purple center with red rims. The medium+ intensity nose put forth blackberries, cherries, soil, and anise.
I do not know how long this wine was open but it did not seem to change much during the tasting. It was rich and ripe with mild taninns, solid acidity, and good length.
While not particularly complex, this was a well made wine. The color argues that more complexity might be revealed with additional age. However, based on just this one data point, I would not be inclined to bet on it.
November 24, 2018 - Slightly vegetal nose, forest floor and tobacco
A nice blast of black raspberry with a gamey note at the end.
A little disappointing. Better when young
September 23, 2018 - Wow. Drank this at Capital Grille Naples. What a great wine. very soft and smooth. Loads of blueberries and black berries with out being sweet in any way. Spectacular!
August 25, 2018 - Similar to prior notes after an hour decant, outstanding & ready to drink. Classic, old style CA cab!
May 27, 2018 - Similar to prior note after decanting for an hour then back in the bottle to SO for a few more; delicious, drink or hold