1997 Shafer Vineyards Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon 1x750ml

Vinous 92+

(14.5% alcohol): Bright saturated ruby to the rim. Brooding blackberry, dark cherry and licorice aromas show both medicinal and superripe aspects. Rather suave and tight-grained on entry, then high-pitched, thick and very sweet–in fact almost liqueur-like–in the middle, conveying a slightly chunky character to its dark fruit and licorice flavors. Huge material here but still a bit unevolved and hard to warm to. I wanted more shape, clarity and elegance but this wine, amazingly, still needs time. Finishes with big, chewy tannins. This bottle was a bit less plush than the one I tasted in 2016 as part of an extensive vertical tasting at Shafer Vineyards but appears to have a considerably longer life ahead of it. [Stephen Tanzer, 01/09/2017]

Anticipated maturity: 2019-2033

Robert Parker 97

Tasted at the Napa Valley Vintners tasting, my note simply reads “WOW”. It has a compelling, intense nose of blackberry, cedar, cassis and violets that just sucker the senses into submission, whilst the full-bodied palate is extraordinarily complex and exuding a tangible sense of mineralite beneath those pure heavenly fruit. It has wonderful definition on the graceful finish. One of the best Californian wines that I have ever tasted. Tasted May 2001. [Neal Martin, 05/01/2001]