2000 Shafer Vineyards Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon 1×1.5L

Vinous 88

(14.9% alcohol; from a cool summer and a difficult, uneven flowering): Bright, dark red. Lively aromas of dark berries, mocha, tobacco leaf and mint; herbaceous but not overly so. Then juicy and truffley on the palate, with the green flavor shading toward vegetal asparagus. Delivers decent concentration but I wanted more sweetness and juiciness of fruit. Finishes a bit attenuated, with tough tannins. Going nowhere at this point. [Stephen Tanzer, 01/07/2016]

Anticipated maturity: 2016-2020

Robert Parker 93

The 2000 Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select was performing even better this year than it was last year. While not as weighty and ageworthy as some of the more hallowed vintages, it is a seriously endowed wine. Deep ruby/purple to the rim, with a gorgeous nose of creme de cassis, licorice, graphite, spice, and cedar, it is more forward than most vintages, but full-bodied, concentrated, and beautifully seductive. Drink it over the next 15 or so years. [Robert Parker, 02/01/2005]

Anticipated maturity: 2005-2020