Hillside Select Stags Leap District Cabernet Sauvignon

10’ Will be even better in 2 + years

Shafer HS is an all time favorite of mine but I don't typically open a bottle within 10 years of release. This bottle illustrated why. It's still in its chrysalis--developing and building and gaining weight and shedding tannin. Just not ready even after hours in the decanter.

Bright fruit super rich strong.

Well on it's way but still needs more time. A little heat on the attack gave way to a smooth, balanced dark fruit profile of bruised plum and macerated sweet black currant with some graphite undertones. The mid-palate was certainly not hollow but the secondary characteristics are just not spilling out like a more mature vintage of the HSS will show at its best (like the '02 I had earlier this year that encompasses all the best of this maker). Hold or audoze for several hours and then decant. Still an exceptional wine that will just keep ascending and evolving.

Way too young at this point for a fair shake. Needs a lot more time.

Still too young. #napavalley #cabernetsauvignon #msclassic #cultclassic

Great. Thank you very much

Deep, dark blueberry and blackberry pie. So delicious! Could use a lot more time but we were celebrating

15.5% alc.
Despite the lofty alc. this showed really great.

Really pure and beautiful. Leave alone for a decade but a pretty remarkable wine