2014 Shafer Hillside Select
Producer: Shafer
Region: Stags Leap District, Napa Valley, CA
Country: USA
Grapes: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Vintage: 2014
ABV: 15.5%
Vivino: 4.6
Drink By: 2037
Occasional Wine Note: This is the wine you want for that special steak dinner. This is a big cab. Lots of cherry and ripe plum mixed with layers of spice, licorice, and hints of graphite. You will not soon forget this one.
Wine Advocate
Critic Score: 98
Very deep inky-purple colored, the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select is incredibly intense and impactful on the nose, revealing notes of crushed black cherries, blackberries and fresh black currants with underlying notions of charcoal, sautéed herbs, black soil, chargrilled meat and pencil lead, plus a waft of violets. Very full-bodied, very rich and wonderfully concentrated, the wall of fruit is well matched by a firm structure of ripe, grainy tannins and plenty of freshness, finishing with great length and depth.
James Suckling
Critic Score: 97
A fascinating nose of licorice, tarte tartin, blackcurrant compote, orange rind, ivy, holly, pine needles, ash, Christmas cake and even raspberry cheesecake as well as a slight minty/herbal note. The palate is so well-knit but powerful; it's the sort of wine that takes no prisoners. Yet the vintage shines through, and it remains always fresh and balanced. Layers upon layers of fruit and a long, decadent finish.