2002 Shafer, Hillside Select, Stags Leap District 1x750ml

Vinous 97

The 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select is outrageously beautiful. Dark, potent and explosive, the 2002 is simply tremendous. It captures all the best this vintage had to offer. Dense dark red/purplish fruit, rose petal, spice and sweet French oak abound. The 2002 is naturally a wine of its era, but tasting the Hillside 20 years later reveals it was not as pushed as many other wines were in this period. Red cherry jam, mocha, espresso and licorice build into the sumptuous finish. [Antonio Galloni, 09/05/2024]

Anticipated maturity: 2022-2032

Robert Parker 100

In contrast to the more linear, structured, but massive 2001, the 2002 Shafer Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select is pure fruit-bomb material, but stunningly proportioned, beautifully pure, with notes of melted chocolate, blackcurrant jam, sweet black cherries, licorice, camphor and charcoal. Very full-bodied, like the 2001, but much more lavishly fruited, it is more accessible and hedonistically, as well as intellectually, satisfying. If the 2001 is the long-distance runner, this comes across more like a middle-distancer. It had performed fabulously well since it was released by the winery, and even though it’s still an adolescent in terms of its evolution, this wine is a head-turner in wine tastings, and a spectacular effort from Napa. Drink now or drink in 20-25 years. [Robert M. Parker, Jr., 31/08/2014]

Anticipated maturity: 2014-2040