2009 Shafer, Hillside Select, Stags Leap District 1x750ml

Robert Parker 98

Made entirely of Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2009 Hillside Select has a deep garnet color. Wowa it explodes from the glass with this atomic nose of creme de cassis, Black Forest cake, baked plums and boysenberries plus hints of licorice, mocha, cedar chest and pencil lead with a waft of garrigue. Full-bodied, the palate is a concentrated, full-on behemoth, possessing fantastic balance and expressiveness, finishing with epic length and a fantastically velvety texture. [Lisa Perrotti-Brown, 13/12/2019]

Anticipated maturity: 2020-2045

Vinous 93+

Saturated ruby. Aromas of black cherry, cassis, blackberry and licorice are lifted by a violet element. Concentrated, chewy and penetrating, with its powerful dark fruit flavors enlivened by wild herbs, spices and violet. Not a particularly thick vintage for this consistently outstanding bottling: as savory as it is sweet and light on its feet. The wine’s strong fruit blows past the firm, harmonious tannins on the very long back end. Still a youngster, and evolving even more slowly than I predicted a few years ago. This wine should eventually merit an even higher score. (15.5% alcohol; aged for three years in oak) [Stephen Tanzer, 25/07/2019]

Anticipated maturity: 2022-2038