1995 Shafer, Hillside Select, Stags Leap District 1x750ml

Robert Parker 98

Interestingly, the first thing that came to my mind in smelling the 1995 Shafer Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select was a relatively young vintage of Chateau Latour. Another fabulous effort, with notes of blackcurrants, graphite, a touch of vanilla, sweet tannin and a full-bodied, multidimensional mouthfeel, this vintage offers stunning aromatics of black fruits, earth, charcoal and lead pencil shavings. In addition, there is an intense, full-bodied mouthfeel, and a youthful vibrancy and vigor that are sensational. This is an amazingly young wine that’s coming up on 20 years of age and another great example of just how these best terroirs of Napa can produce incredibly long-lived Cabernet Sauvignons. It should last at least another two decades as well. [31/08/2014]

Anticipated maturity: 2014-2034

Vinous 95

(14.1% alcohol): Healthy dark red. Captivating floral lift to the aromas of raspberry, peppercorn, leather and wet soil; conveys a strong impression of terroir. Wonderfully silky and soil-driven in the mouth, boasting terrific energy and tension for a 21-year-old California wine. The long finish features firm but suave tannins and a slatey quality that gives the wine noteworthy grip. Made from a light, late harvest. This bottle was far better than the one I tasted at my 1995 horizontal tasting in March. [Stephen Tanzer, 07/01/2016]

Anticipated maturity: 2016-2029