New Years. Lovely. Again. As opposed to Ridge this is more full throttle. The Napa coffee touch is there but doesn't overwhelm. It develops nicely during the evening. At the end you are left with cool black currant, unlit Marlboro lights and some mint. Aftertaste is longish.
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Damn this is good. Almost blushing drinking this velvet, all Burgundy geeks will have a myocardial. What really gets me is the shear depth of fruit, how it holds its alcohol and never feels over extracted. Truffled cassis, some tobacco, lilacs and even some roses. Heavy as hell and not for the fainthearted. Drink two bottles and you will catch diabetes!
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Big, powerful, brawny wine. Medium intensity on the nose. Blackberry, coconut, tobacco and vanilla. Medium acidity and high tannins. Long finish. Better on day two. Hold.
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Fun to tatse this with the 2016 Griffons de Pichon Baron. While this has more of the cassis and upfront fun, it lacks the overall depth that would have made this a much better wine- and at what apparently is a $115 wine, it is not 2x better but is shockingly solid. Beautiful cassis, spice, forest floor, earth ,smoke but it ends there. If it didn’t, this would be a much more expensive wine.
Strangely has a nose of a Chilean wine, yet doesn’t have the associated grassy notes (just a passing note of interest). The wine is enjoyable nonetheless and more so than the griffon but less complex/interesting. Made me think of what I would pay at a restaurant for a quaffable glass/bottle and would guess this would be in the $50/$200 price range. Better than a Caymus at the same price point, far more interesting and less manipulated.
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Smoldering dark fruit accented by vanilla. The nose was earthy and quiet. Super polished. Fine tannins still giving some grip. The best is yet ahead. 92
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So last night as I did the week before I pulled out a 2015 and opened and slow ox'd for three hours and took it to a local BYOB to meet a business colleague. The nose is dark red fruit with hints of mocha. The palate is dark cherry, dark plums, a little cigar box, mocha and a hint of spice. The finish was really nice. A very enjoyable bottle of wine.
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So last night I pulled out a 2015 and opened and slow ox'd for three hours. The nose is dark red fruit with hints of mocha. The palate is dark cherry, dark plums, a little cigar box, mocha and a hint of spice. The finish was really nice. A very enjoyable bottle of wine.
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Deep and dark with a fair bit of oak and tobacco. There is an intriguing slight floral note on the nose, perhaps of rose. This probably could have used another 3 years in the bottle.
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Has really come into its own. Still has vibrant fruit: darker reds of cherry and some licorice. Tannins provide great structure but are rounded and rich. Long finish with more tobacco. Great Howell mountain example without being over the top aggressive.
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A nice balanced wine that is ready today, or you can still lay down for a year or 2. This is my last bottle so I was pleased with the wine. Opened up nicely. Cheers
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Taut red currant and blackberry flavors with a fair bit of acidity and moderate tannins. Nice mineral component with a little green savory element on the finish. Didn't really open up despite 1-2 hours in the decanter--I think this needs to sit a couple more years.
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Poured for my wedding. Great nose of rich fruits. Blackberry and dark cherry. Smooth. Casis, plums and other dark fruit. Menthol finish. Glad I’ve got another in the cellar, though I’ll probably save it for the five year anniversary.
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Dark, dense and full bodied. Creme de cassis, lots of black and blue fruits with some menthol on the finish. Little to no tannins or acidity. An enjoyable bottle of wine for sure but not a lot of depth. So many good options at the ~$100 price point I expect a lot more from this wine.
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Juicy cassis, menthol, and ripe blackberry, with abundant, cigar box tannins and a long, plum-slate finish. Worth a hold to soften a rambunctious tobacco streak.
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On Monday night at our BBQ we pnp'd the 2014. So last night I pulled out a 2015 to compare but this time I was able to open and decant using a vinturi and let it sit for a couple of hours. The nose is dark red fruit with hints of mocha. The palate is dark cherry, dark plums, a little cigar box, mocha and a hint of spice. The finish was really nice. I cant tell if it is the vintage or the decanting or a combination of both that made the difference. A very enjoyable bottle of wine.
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Shafer Vineyards with Doug Shafer (Zoom!): 90% Cab, 7% Merlot, 3% Malbec. 100% new oak. Menthol and tobacco on the nose. So juicy! Nice rounded tannins. Deep and dark blackberry fruit with attractive, bitter cocoa edges to balance the finish.
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Decanted for 2 1/2 hours prior to consumption. Texture and glide are already established, but the flavor profile remains framed in retreating oak. Three hours in, there was a strident release of fruit and acid. Hard to say what it will eventually become, but there is reason to be encouraged.
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Jammy nose with some tobacco. Palate of luscious black raspberry and blackberry, tobacco, low acidity and enough tannins to keep it in balance. This is a beauty. Enjoyed with Lisa and Claire at Mitchell's Ocean Club in Columbus.
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Still young and somewhat closed, but no sharp tannins already. Time on air started to reveal more flavors of tobacco and some forward flavors of dark fruit. Low Acid, well rounded for this early stage. Promises to be even better over time.
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Tart red fruits on the nose...soft and approachable on the pallet... structure/acidity were certainly there... can tell the makings of a good wine are in there...ultimately, this needs more time as this seemed closed me but could certainly be enjoyed now. Would love another crack at this in a few years.
Date night at Pappas... enjoyed with French cheese plate, Burrata salad, filet mignon and scalloped potatoes.
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PNP. Lots of tobacco and darker berries, some cherry and plum. I thought it would be a lot better, seams like it will improve over time. Lots of progression in the glass one the corse of 2-3 hours. Love shafer wines but was hoping for more out of this wine. Will check back in on another bottle in 2 years.
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Still young, but getting well integrated with smooth Tannins and starting to show its character- Howell Mountain intensity and depth. Lots of tobacco and darker flavors- Cherry and plum. Will continue to improve I believe, with lots of headroom.
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Tasted in restaurant, great bouquet, still very young, balanced with great purity , good fruit but a bit of heat on the palate, very good wine but I am not a big fan of this style of wine, crowd was not impressed and liked a much cheaper wine, might drink again.
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Brought to Ruth Chris’ and paired with steak. Young but delicious. Smooth and fruit forward after 45 min decant. True Shafer form. Happy to have more for the coming years.
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Second Sunday Group: 2009 Bordeaux (R&D's): Decanted three hours. Inky dark color with notes of cassis, currant, plum and chocolate. Firm, sweet tannins with flavors of cassis, plum, chocolate and vanilla. Long finish. Balanced. Impressive in its youth.
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Like a Pomerol on steroids. Such silky tannins. Like drinking mercury with a deep dark fruit tinge and only the slightest of bellpepper, lilacs and junipers. Long aftertaste. Drinkable without a problem but as it is such a fully stuffed wine it must age well with added complexity as a bonus. Hides it alcohol well.
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Had to drink early as part of my AVA tasting series. Big and young but very drinkable. 1 hour decant and drank over another two. Black cherries, vanilla, spice and oak. Chewy and delicious. Day 2 edit—forgot to mention butterscotch. Noticed it yesterday too. Equallly good on day 2 if not better.
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Heavy on the vanilla & oak on Night 1, but on Night 2 developed into a typical amazing Shafer Cab. Recommend short-term cellaring, or open now with decanting.
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Taste: The feel is full bodied with high, chewy tannins along with medium acidity. There is excellent density to the feel and a clear youth as there is a vibrancy to it along with black cherries, cranberries, vanilla notes, herbs, raspberries, licorice, and a touch of spice.
Overall: This is one for the cellar, but it should reward much to the high side. There is a plush quality to the feel, but the tannins come in and let one know that it is a youthful wine. This shows off excellent fruit and concentration and will benefit from 5+ years of cellaring.
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I’m not a big follower of WE but decided to give this a shot in light of their 97 rating. Dark ruby fruit - dark cherry, currants, blackberry, and plum. Smooth mid-palate with decent depth/concentration for the price point - medium plus body. Nice vibrant/rich flavors of dark berries and some spice/licorice. Fairly long finish. Decanted for one hour and drank over a couple more. Improved with time but drinking pretty well after the initial hour decant despite its youth. In my opinion, falls in between the 93 rating from WS and 91+ rating from WA at least at this stage. As usual, a solid/reliable cab for the money but this wine never over-achieves in my opinion. I’m hoping the 2016 vintage changes my opinion in consideration of the 95 rating from Lisa Perrotti-Brown of WA. 90% cab, 7% merlot, and 3% malbec.
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A great One Point Five. Lots of dark fruit and a touch of resin on the nose, very pure and delicious with black cherry and cassis. Medium plus body and a satisfying finish. Should improve with time, 93+.
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Rather bright nose with cherry and currant fruit and dark toasty notes in behind. Full and dark with good freshness and grip. Smoky, toasty, sweet-spiced finish. 4/5
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N: Closed, by RIPE, poss jammy, berries with smoke
P: LM body; Nice frt fairly quickly met by an astringent pucker which transitions into a LONG finish with a tangy/swtness (& VERY slight bitterness) to the very, VERY fine tannins. NEEDS through '20, poss '21, then should make its 10th. While nice enough, I'm NOT seeing either the HIGHEST reviews or the QPR -- even @ this vendor's $81.95, which puts it in the TOP 10% of wine-searcher's LARGE field. 15.3% ABV; My VG+/EXC-. 97 pts & an "Cellar Selection" from WE @ $95, 95 Suckling, 93 ea WS & Vinous (Galloni), 92 ea Decanter & kenswineguide.com , and 91 WA.
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Filling in w/the Friday Brown Bag Group (Ron's): Blind, though in this flight there was absolutely no doubt that this was my other bottle. Decanted for a couple of hours prior to the tasting. Opaque inky purple color. Aromas of violet, cassis, vanilla and dark berry fruit. Firm, sweet fine-grained tannins with flavors of plum and black fruit, vanilla and incense. Long finish. Clearly young, but I like what's here. Lots of upside but hold until 2025+. 92+ pts.
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This rich and forward Cabernet drinks best after an hour of air, with an enticing mix of ripeness, spice, and tannin. This is my first One Point Five, and it has more depth than the Merlot of old (or the TD-9 of today) and less depth than the Hillside Select, with the juicy polish you find in most Shafer wines. It's not a revelation, but it's pretty good.
Cherry red in color, medium in body, nose of blueberry, rosemary, and graphite. Tastes of black cherry, plum, mocha, pepper, and cedar, with a sweet finish carrying tannins that are more dusty than brambly. 15.3% alcohol. Blend 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot, and 3% Malbec.
This doesn't have the intensity or depth of the powerhouse Napa reds at the $100-ish price point (e.g., Realm's Bard, Carter's Fortuna, Myriad's GIII), but it's a polished and enjoyable wine. I'd wait another year or two, in the hopes that the wine might add more body (an issue now given a thin-ness in the mid-palate and a somewhat juicy simplicity). This would be more exciting at the $60-80 price point, but it's an enjoyable wine nonetheless.
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Dark purple color - look like ink in the decanter. Full bodied. Beautifully balanced and supple with medium tannins. Oak, cassis, cherry and plum. Just marvelous.
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Third winery on our third day in Napa Valley is Shafer Vineyards located on the east side of the valley in the Stags Leap District. Third wine is their One Point Five Cabernet Sauvignon with fruit coming from the Hillside Estate Vineyards in the Stags Leap District. Made by Elias Fernandez. Made up of 98% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Merlot.
Purplish ruby red with lighter edges. Dark nose with baking spices, blue fruits, cinnamon, gravel and some sweeter spices. Medium tannins (7/10) and medium plus to full bodied. A bit gritty on the palate with some cassis, black fruits, gravel and minerality. Long and lingering finish. Drink till 2028.
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Their largest production red. It had nice dark fruit,minerals, black currants, black cherry and more. 90% Cab. Good structure, plentiful tannins, really nice tart finish.20 months in oak, well balanced.
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Big wine with plenty of sweet ultra ripe purple/blue fruit all over. Extracted elements are certainly in the foreground but earthy/roasted elements do complement the corners. Still it has plenty of structure in the center with an acidic lift on the finish. Much better and defiantly more complete than I was expecting. Probably better in 2-3 years.
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Samples: Dark purple color. Dark and rich on the nose, with deeply concentrated blackberry and cassis, graphite, loamy earth, spiced tea, violets, mint chewing tobacco, vanilla. On the palate, the acidity is quite refreshing, and keeps the wine moving forward despite the serious tannic backbone. Deep core of blackberry and cassis fruit, rich but shows a tart edge, with complex notes of chewing tobacco, eucalyptus, vanilla, cedar, graphite, all woven in very well. Another gorgeous example of this wine from Shafer, and the 2015 has lots of years in the cellar for this beauty. Includes 7% Merlot and 3% Malbec, aged 20 months in 100% new French oak.
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93+ ... Coravin sample , big vanilla oak nose off the pop n pour. Dare I say silver oak - esq , but aromatically more fruit punch and melon off the pop n pour, which is unique. Gorgeous deep magenta glowing. Blows off some after a bit. Big and rich but somewhat balanced. New world , Rich , maybe a little bitter on the finish, from the new tannin. High quality , can’t go wrong. Drink in a few years, and will last a long time beyond.
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1/1/2024 - Eriklainen wrote:
New Years. Lovely. Again. As opposed to Ridge this is more full throttle. The Napa coffee touch is there but doesn't overwhelm. It develops nicely during the evening. At the end you are left with cool black currant, unlit Marlboro lights and some mint. Aftertaste is longish.
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11/25/2023 - JB12 wrote: 94 Points
Decanted 3 hrs. Great cab. Long lasting legs. Smooth wine with dark berry flavors. Very drinkble now.
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5/29/2023 - Eriklainen wrote:
Damn this is good. Almost blushing drinking this velvet, all Burgundy geeks will have a myocardial. What really gets me is the shear depth of fruit, how it holds its alcohol and never feels over extracted. Truffled cassis, some tobacco, lilacs and even some roses. Heavy as hell and not for the fainthearted. Drink two bottles and you will catch diabetes!
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2/19/2023 - Es7e2003 Likes this wine: 92 Points
Big, powerful, brawny wine. Medium intensity on the nose. Blackberry, coconut, tobacco and vanilla. Medium acidity and high tannins. Long finish. Better on day two. Hold.
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2/19/2023 - LiteItOnFire Likes this wine: 90 Points
Fun to tatse this with the 2016 Griffons de Pichon Baron. While this has more of the cassis and upfront fun, it lacks the overall depth that would have made this a much better wine- and at what apparently is a $115 wine, it is not 2x better but is shockingly solid. Beautiful cassis, spice, forest floor, earth ,smoke but it ends there. If it didn’t, this would be a much more expensive wine.
Strangely has a nose of a Chilean wine, yet doesn’t have the associated grassy notes (just a passing note of interest). The wine is enjoyable nonetheless and more so than the griffon but less complex/interesting. Made me think of what I would pay at a restaurant for a quaffable glass/bottle and would guess this would be in the $50/$200 price range. Better than a Caymus at the same price point, far more interesting and less manipulated.
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11/24/2022 - drmilkweed Likes this wine: 93 Points
writing this many days later, just remembering rich black fruit, light spice, cocoa, cigar. both drinking well and room to improve.
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11/12/2022 - VinhoVerde Likes this wine: 91 Points
Dark red/purple color. Soft fresh cassis flavor. Ready to drink, though should hold 3-4 years. Nice positive aftertaste.
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9/27/2022 - ThomasB99 Likes this wine: 92 Points
Sounds crazy, but this is a dead ringer for a SoCal syrah. A really really good one.
Hardly tastes like napa cab, and I mean that in the best way.
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6/11/2022 - swade wrote: 92 Points
Smoldering dark fruit accented by vanilla. The nose was earthy and quiet. Super polished. Fine tannins still giving some grip. The best is yet ahead. 92
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4/16/2022 - JazzKat Likes this wine: 92 Points
Excellent leathery and tannic. Still young! Decant decant decant! Black brooding fruits!
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3/12/2022 - drmilkweed Likes this wine: 94 Points
Intense, concentrated black and red fruit, umami, tobacco. Drinkable now, but miles to go.
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1/31/2022 - markcic Likes this wine: 93 Points
So last night as I did the week before I pulled out a 2015 and opened and slow ox'd for three hours and took it to a local BYOB to meet a business colleague. The nose is dark red fruit with hints of mocha. The palate is dark cherry, dark plums, a little cigar box, mocha and a hint of spice. The finish was really nice. A very enjoyable bottle of wine.
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1/24/2022 - markcic Likes this wine: 93 Points
So last night I pulled out a 2015 and opened and slow ox'd for three hours. The nose is dark red fruit with hints of mocha. The palate is dark cherry, dark plums, a little cigar box, mocha and a hint of spice. The finish was really nice. A very enjoyable bottle of wine.
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1/15/2022 - Chair Likes this wine: 90 Points
Quite full-bodied with a chewy backbone and elegant finish. Drinking well. Good for 10+ years, but won't last in my cellar.
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11/17/2021 - SDCSR wrote:
Very good. Not a good value though.
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9/30/2021 - ralaspech wrote: 92 Points
Similar to previous except that all the components have come together beautifully in this bottle, but maybe still a year or two to peak drinking
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9/28/2021 - SnobNouveau wrote: 93 Points
Really wonderful full body cab with a lingering finish.
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7/17/2021 - Stonger the Better Likes this wine: 92 Points
This will be a 93 or 94 in a few years. Good now. Great latter.
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7/5/2021 - mcj2001 wrote:
Very good.
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6/20/2021 - OaklandWine wrote: 92 Points
Deep and dark with a fair bit of oak and tobacco. There is an intriguing slight floral note on the nose, perhaps of rose. This probably could have used another 3 years in the bottle.
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5/4/2021 - VinoDiver Likes this wine: 92 Points
Soft rich tannins compliment nice fruit. Paired well with eggplant parmigiana.
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4/9/2021 - Vinofitz wrote: 93 Points
Has really come into its own. Still has vibrant fruit: darker reds of cherry and some licorice. Tannins provide great structure but are rounded and rich. Long finish with more tobacco. Great Howell mountain example without being over the top aggressive.
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4/2/2021 - winecadence Likes this wine: 93 Points
Nice complexity. Expressive nose. Blue and black fruit, plus a little cinnamon. Plush mouthfeel. Lengthy finish. Excellent.
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2/17/2021 - Cuellar's Cellar Likes this wine: 92 Points
A nice balanced wine that is ready today, or you can still lay down for a year or 2. This is my last bottle so I was pleased with the wine. Opened up nicely. Cheers
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2/17/2021 - ralaspech wrote: 91 Points
Taut red currant and blackberry flavors with a fair bit of acidity and moderate tannins. Nice mineral component with a little green savory element on the finish. Didn't really open up despite 1-2 hours in the decanter--I think this needs to sit a couple more years.
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12/26/2020 - Kenny_Powers Likes this wine: 90 Points
It's good but give it a few more years.
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11/26/2020 - Huntingtoncc wrote:
Drank on thanksgiving 2020
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10/18/2020 - Brandon_94 Likes this wine: 91 Points
Poured for my wedding. Great nose of rich fruits. Blackberry and dark cherry. Smooth. Casis, plums and other dark fruit. Menthol finish. Glad I’ve got another in the cellar, though I’ll probably save it for the five year anniversary.
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10/15/2020 - curtr Likes this wine: 91 Points
Drinking well from a 375 ml.
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9/10/2020 - DrBad Likes this wine: 91 Points
Dark, dense and full bodied. Creme de cassis, lots of black and blue fruits with some menthol on the finish. Little to no tannins or acidity. An enjoyable bottle of wine for sure but not a lot of depth. So many good options at the ~$100 price point I expect a lot more from this wine.
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8/9/2020 - Indywinefan Likes this wine: 92 Points
Another great wine from Shafer.
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7/12/2020 - Steven DiFiore Likes this wine: 92 Points
Solid offering
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6/26/2020 - Wine2372 Likes this wine: 91 Points
Juicy cassis, menthol, and ripe blackberry, with abundant, cigar box tannins and a long, plum-slate finish. Worth a hold to soften a rambunctious tobacco streak.
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5/26/2020 - markcic Likes this wine: 93 Points
On Monday night at our BBQ we pnp'd the 2014. So last night I pulled out a 2015 to compare but this time I was able to open and decant using a vinturi and let it sit for a couple of hours. The nose is dark red fruit with hints of mocha. The palate is dark cherry, dark plums, a little cigar box, mocha and a hint of spice. The finish was really nice. I cant tell if it is the vintage or the decanting or a combination of both that made the difference. A very enjoyable bottle of wine.
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5/10/2020 - Martnmac wrote: 93 Points
Absolutely brilliant
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5/4/2020 - NickA Likes this wine: 92 Points
Shafer Vineyards with Doug Shafer (Zoom!): 90% Cab, 7% Merlot, 3% Malbec. 100% new oak. Menthol and tobacco on the nose. So juicy! Nice rounded tannins. Deep and dark blackberry fruit with attractive, bitter cocoa edges to balance the finish.
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2/9/2020 - webbaker Likes this wine: 93 Points
I really like this wine, a sort of stepchild of the awesome Hillside Select, this never disappoints.
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11/23/2019 - jeagle Likes this wine:
Decanted for 2 1/2 hours prior to consumption. Texture and glide are already established, but the flavor profile remains framed in retreating oak. Three hours in, there was a strident release of fruit and acid. Hard to say what it will eventually become, but there is reason to be encouraged.
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11/16/2019 - ralaspech wrote: 92 Points
Jammy nose with some tobacco. Palate of luscious black raspberry and blackberry, tobacco, low acidity and enough tannins to keep it in balance. This is a beauty. Enjoyed with Lisa and Claire at Mitchell's Ocean Club in Columbus.
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10/31/2019 - Vinofitz wrote: 93 Points
Still young and somewhat closed, but no sharp tannins already. Time on air started to reveal more flavors of tobacco and some forward flavors of dark fruit. Low Acid, well rounded for this early stage. Promises to be even better over time.
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10/17/2019 - peeks13 wrote:
Cellar Night at Binnys South Loop (Chicago, IL): Solid taste and not nearly as oaky as I feared. Better than the Relentless at the same price.
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9/21/2019 - AlexL82 Likes this wine: 92 Points
Tart red fruits on the nose...soft and approachable on the pallet... structure/acidity were certainly there... can tell the makings of a good wine are in there...ultimately, this needs more time as this seemed closed me but could certainly be enjoyed now. Would love another crack at this in a few years.
Date night at Pappas... enjoyed with French cheese plate, Burrata salad, filet mignon and scalloped potatoes.
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9/2/2019 - winebytoth Likes this wine: 92 Points
PNP. Lots of tobacco and darker berries, some cherry and plum. I thought it would be a lot better, seams like it will improve over time. Lots of progression in the glass one the corse of 2-3 hours. Love shafer wines but was hoping for more out of this wine. Will check back in on another bottle in 2 years.
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9/2/2019 - Vinofitz Likes this wine: 92 Points
Still young, but getting well integrated with smooth Tannins and starting to show its character- Howell Mountain intensity and depth. Lots of tobacco and darker flavors- Cherry and plum. Will continue to improve I believe, with lots of headroom.
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8/10/2019 - kinnick1978 Likes this wine: 96 Points
Loved it
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8/1/2019 - mwneil Likes this wine: 92 Points
Tasted in restaurant, great bouquet, still very young, balanced with great purity , good fruit but a bit of heat on the palate, very good wine but I am not a big fan of this style of wine, crowd was not impressed and liked a much cheaper wine, might drink again.
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6/29/2019 - spatchy wrote:
Brought to Ruth Chris’ and paired with steak. Young but delicious. Smooth and fruit forward after 45 min decant. True Shafer form. Happy to have more for the coming years.
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5/17/2019 - Big ranch wrote: 93 Points
Wine spectator $95 retail
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4/28/2019 - DugyDog Likes this wine: 94 Points
Delicious from 375ml. Deep, dark, sweet tannins, tarry
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3/20/2019 - thewilliamsons wrote:
Delicious. Paired with steak. Very smooth
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3/10/2019 - AllRed wrote: 95 Points
Second Sunday Group: 2009 Bordeaux (R&D's): Decanted three hours. Inky dark color with notes of cassis, currant, plum and chocolate. Firm, sweet tannins with flavors of cassis, plum, chocolate and vanilla. Long finish. Balanced. Impressive in its youth.
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2/28/2019 - Eriklainen wrote:
Like a Pomerol on steroids. Such silky tannins. Like drinking mercury with a deep dark fruit tinge and only the slightest of bellpepper, lilacs and junipers. Long aftertaste. Drinkable without a problem but as it is such a fully stuffed wine it must age well with added complexity as a bonus. Hides it alcohol well.
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2/23/2019 - curtr Likes this wine:
From 375 ml. Youthful, will be better in 2 years.
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2/19/2019 - Otaku Oenophile Likes this wine: 92 Points
Crème de cassis, crushed rock and closed down.
Had to taste one early but as expected this should age a year or 2 for everything to integrate or decant.
Loved the 13 and 14 on release though although those could use some age on them as well.
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2/1/2019 - Decanting Queen Likes this wine: 92 Points
Had to drink early as part of my AVA tasting series. Big and young but very drinkable. 1 hour decant and drank over another two. Black cherries, vanilla, spice and oak. Chewy and delicious.
Day 2 edit—forgot to mention butterscotch. Noticed it yesterday too. Equallly good on day 2 if not better.
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12/26/2018 - jmcnewjersey Likes this wine: 93 Points
Heavy on the vanilla & oak on Night 1, but on Night 2 developed into a typical amazing Shafer Cab. Recommend short-term cellaring, or open now with decanting.
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12/15/2018 - Cuellar's Cellar Likes this wine:
A great bottle from Shafer. Easy on the pallet .. Needed a 3 hour decant, but I couldn't wait. Cheers
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12/8/2018 - KeithAkers wrote: 92 Points
Round Table Tasting: Shafer Vineyards (Knightsbridge, Northbrook IL): Nose: The nose is deep with an intense side to it that provides a frame for black cherries, cranberries, cedar notes, currants, spice tones, vanilla, raspberries, and licorice tones.
Taste: The feel is full bodied with high, chewy tannins along with medium acidity. There is excellent density to the feel and a clear youth as there is a vibrancy to it along with black cherries, cranberries, vanilla notes, herbs, raspberries, licorice, and a touch of spice.
Overall: This is one for the cellar, but it should reward much to the high side. There is a plush quality to the feel, but the tannins come in and let one know that it is a youthful wine. This shows off excellent fruit and concentration and will benefit from 5+ years of cellaring.
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11/23/2018 - Cuellar's Cellar Likes this wine: 91 Points
Decent bottle. Still very young and would hold until the next 2 years to start drinking.
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11/13/2018 - Badmonkey wrote: 92 Points
I’m not a big follower of WE but decided to give this a shot in light of their 97 rating. Dark ruby fruit - dark cherry, currants, blackberry, and plum. Smooth mid-palate with decent depth/concentration for the price point - medium plus body. Nice vibrant/rich flavors of dark berries and some spice/licorice. Fairly long finish. Decanted for one hour and drank over a couple more. Improved with time but drinking pretty well after the initial hour decant despite its youth. In my opinion, falls in between the 93 rating from WS and 91+ rating from WA at least at this stage. As usual, a solid/reliable cab for the money but this wine never over-achieves in my opinion. I’m hoping the 2016 vintage changes my opinion in consideration of the 95 rating from Lisa Perrotti-Brown of WA. 90% cab, 7% merlot, and 3% malbec.
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11/12/2018 - Hamersly wrote: 93 Points
A great One Point Five. Lots of dark fruit and a touch of resin on the nose, very pure and delicious with black cherry and cassis. Medium plus body and a satisfying finish. Should improve with time, 93+.
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10/30/2018 - Double-A wrote: 90 Points
Rather bright nose with cherry and currant fruit and dark toasty notes in behind. Full and dark with good freshness and grip. Smoky, toasty, sweet-spiced finish.
4/5
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10/27/2018 - srh Likes this wine:
Winebar [4 Whites, 8 Reds, & 12 *shared*, VERY impressive bottles] from 10/26/18 (Vintage Wines Ltd., San Diego, CA): 90% C.S., 7% Merlot, & 3% Malbec "predominately from two Stags Leap District sites — Shafer’s hillside estate vyd & “Borderline” Vyd located about 2 mi S. of the winery." Harvested @ 23.5°–25.5° Brix; Aged 20 mos in 100% new FR oak barrels (Allier & Tronçais); Released March 1, 2018
N: Closed, by RIPE, poss jammy, berries with smoke
P: LM body; Nice frt fairly quickly met by an astringent pucker which transitions into a LONG finish with a tangy/swtness (& VERY slight bitterness) to the very, VERY fine tannins. NEEDS through '20, poss '21, then should make its 10th. While nice enough, I'm NOT seeing either the HIGHEST reviews or the QPR -- even @ this vendor's $81.95, which puts it in the TOP 10% of wine-searcher's LARGE field. 15.3% ABV; My VG+/EXC-. 97 pts & an "Cellar Selection" from WE @ $95, 95 Suckling, 93 ea WS & Vinous (Galloni), 92 ea Decanter & kenswineguide.com , and 91 WA.
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9/21/2018 - AllRed wrote: 92 Points
Filling in w/the Friday Brown Bag Group (Ron's): Blind, though in this flight there was absolutely no doubt that this was my other bottle. Decanted for a couple of hours prior to the tasting. Opaque inky purple color. Aromas of violet, cassis, vanilla and dark berry fruit. Firm, sweet fine-grained tannins with flavors of plum and black fruit, vanilla and incense. Long finish. Clearly young, but I like what's here. Lots of upside but hold until 2025+. 92+ pts.
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7/23/2018 - msuwine wrote: 92 Points
This rich and forward Cabernet drinks best after an hour of air, with an enticing mix of ripeness, spice, and tannin. This is my first One Point Five, and it has more depth than the Merlot of old (or the TD-9 of today) and less depth than the Hillside Select, with the juicy polish you find in most Shafer wines. It's not a revelation, but it's pretty good.
Cherry red in color, medium in body, nose of blueberry, rosemary, and graphite. Tastes of black cherry, plum, mocha, pepper, and cedar, with a sweet finish carrying tannins that are more dusty than brambly. 15.3% alcohol. Blend 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot, and 3% Malbec.
This doesn't have the intensity or depth of the powerhouse Napa reds at the $100-ish price point (e.g., Realm's Bard, Carter's Fortuna, Myriad's GIII), but it's a polished and enjoyable wine. I'd wait another year or two, in the hopes that the wine might add more body (an issue now given a thin-ness in the mid-palate and a somewhat juicy simplicity). This would be more exciting at the $60-80 price point, but it's an enjoyable wine nonetheless.
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7/11/2018 - Robwild Likes this wine: 93 Points
Dark purple color - look like ink in the decanter. Full bodied. Beautifully balanced and supple with medium tannins. Oak, cassis, cherry and plum. Just marvelous.
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5/29/2018 - Millennial Drinkers wrote: 92 Points
Third winery on our third day in Napa Valley is Shafer Vineyards located on the east side of the valley in the Stags Leap District. Third wine is their One Point Five Cabernet Sauvignon with fruit coming from the Hillside Estate Vineyards in the Stags Leap District. Made by Elias Fernandez. Made up of 98% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Merlot.
Purplish ruby red with lighter edges. Dark nose with baking spices, blue fruits, cinnamon, gravel and some sweeter spices. Medium tannins (7/10) and medium plus to full bodied. A bit gritty on the palate with some cassis, black fruits, gravel and minerality. Long and lingering finish. Drink till 2028.
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5/14/2018 - rustyRudy Likes this wine: 94 Points
Their largest production red. It had nice dark fruit,minerals, black currants, black cherry and more. 90% Cab. Good structure, plentiful tannins, really nice tart finish.20 months in oak, well balanced.
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5/14/2018 - andrewdodd86 Likes this wine: 95 Points
Dark blue fruit, still black sour cherry. More oak on the nose, med tannin, BIG, vanilla, 100% new French oak. Raisin.
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4/23/2018 - MAXIMUM SATISFACTION wrote: 93 Points
Big wine with plenty of sweet ultra ripe purple/blue fruit all over. Extracted elements are certainly in the foreground but earthy/roasted elements do complement the corners. Still it has plenty of structure in the center with an acidic lift on the finish. Much better and defiantly more complete than I was expecting. Probably better in 2-3 years.
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4/17/2018 - Keeping It Real wrote: 93 Points
Tasted at Wally's Napa / Sonoma All-Stars 2018 Tasting event. Shafer fruit + Stag's Leap = Delicious.
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3/17/2018 - isaacjamesbaker wrote: 94 Points
Samples: Dark purple color. Dark and rich on the nose, with deeply concentrated blackberry and cassis, graphite, loamy earth, spiced tea, violets, mint chewing tobacco, vanilla. On the palate, the acidity is quite refreshing, and keeps the wine moving forward despite the serious tannic backbone. Deep core of blackberry and cassis fruit, rich but shows a tart edge, with complex notes of chewing tobacco, eucalyptus, vanilla, cedar, graphite, all woven in very well. Another gorgeous example of this wine from Shafer, and the 2015 has lots of years in the cellar for this beauty. Includes 7% Merlot and 3% Malbec, aged 20 months in 100% new French oak.
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3/16/2018 - Wine G Likes this wine: 93 Points
93+ ... Coravin sample , big vanilla oak nose off the pop n pour. Dare I say silver oak - esq , but aromatically more fruit punch and melon off the pop n pour, which is unique. Gorgeous deep magenta glowing. Blows off some after a bit. Big and rich but somewhat balanced. New world , Rich , maybe a little bitter on the finish, from the new tannin. High quality , can’t go wrong. Drink in a few years, and will last a long time beyond.
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