Cellar Selection

Shafer Vineyards

2015 Napa Valley Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon

Continuing on with my Shafer Vineyards visit, see my November 6, 2019 & December 20, 2019 reviews of 4 of their outstanding wines together with some of its history. Keep checking back with SippingFineWine.com as I recently made a trip to Napa during 2019 harvest, visited several wineries, tasted some great wines, and met some outstanding individuals. I’ll continue to report on my discoveries.

Today I’ll discuss Shafer’s signature wine, Hillside Select, sourced from the slopes of an amphitheater-like structure of thin soil and rock, where thanks to a series of knolls and outcroppings some vineyard blocks receive southeastern sunlight, while others receive southern or western exposures. Afternoon cool breezes from San Francisco Bay channel into the canyon with a consistent see-saw of daytime heat and evening chill retains acidity within deeply ripened fruit. The site has more than 18 to 22 inches of volcanic soil, lacking plant nutrients, before meeting weathered bedrock below. The struggling vines produce less than half the fruit tonnage per acre as a typical Napa Valley vineyard, with small clusters, made up of blueberry-sized grapes that when crushed offer rich flavor, soft texture, and smooth, elegant tannins.

Below is yours truly, holding a large Hillside Select, alongside Hospitality & Guest Services Coordinator, Andrea Deering.

Shafer Vineyards also has a “Mailing List” you can join in order to purchase their wines and also get on the waiting list on limited production wines. I recommend to check out their availability, click this link “MailingListLink” to go to their site and sign-up! If you find your travels to Napa, I recommend a visit to their elegant Napa winery. Picture below is the stunning view from their Tasting Room!

Shafer 2015 Napa Valley Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon

To me Shafer is among the world’s best wineries. The Hillside Select is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon and aged 32 months in 100% new French oak. Deep Ruby with purple edges, pronounced aromas of red/black fruits, with hints of cedar, floral, oak & spice. On the palate flavors of concentrated ripe blackberry with cherry and raspberry preserves, pepper spice, leather and savory fine tannins, well balanced and absolutely decadent. Long finish, great structure ending with fruit, spice and earthy mineral character. Truly an outstanding Cab! Will age well! Tasting Sample.

Cheers!