Shafer Hillside Select 1996

Since inception in 1972, Shafer Vineyards has unquestionably been at the forefront of exceptional Californian wine production and their flagship wine, Hillside Select, is consistently one of the finest wines from the Napa Valley. Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, fruit is sourced from 14 rugged vineyard blocks planted on an amphitheatre-shaped piece of land that surrounds the winery. 1996 was a warm, dry year in California and, though it is a dense and powerful release, exhibits marvellous elegance and finesse. Full-bodied and richly textured, it is awash with notes of crème de cassis, cedar, cigar and stoney minerality.