Shafer Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon 1996

Shafer Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon 1996

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£350.00
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  • Robert Parker rating 93
  • Vinous rating 92
Shafer Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon 1996
1 left

HED2568

75 cl

14%
£350.00
Taxes included.

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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.
92 Vinous
(14.3% alcohol; from a warmer vintage, like 1992, according to Doug Shafer): Deep red. Shows a distinctly ripe, even roasted quality to the aromas of musky plum, currant and underbrush. Silky and plush in the mouth, with sweet plum and dried berry flavors complemented by a note of milk chocolate. Finishes tannic and dry, with a suggestion of black tea tannins. This is 15+% alcohol, and yet there's a faint suggestion of stemminess.Stephen Tanzer1st July 2016

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A Family Tradition

An icon of modern winemaking in the Napa Valley, Shafer Vineyards was founded in 1972 by John Shafer, who left a career in publishing to pursue his passion for oenology in California. John and family moved into an estate in Stag's Leap District and began work re-establishing vineyards on the surrounding land. Around five years later, the first Cabernet Sauvignon was produced and it was clear that John had a natural talent for winemaking. Since then, the portfolio has expanded to include Merlot, Syrah and Chardonnay-based wines to name but a few - quality is high across the board and the team pay close attention to preserving varietal character across all bottlings.

John sadly passed away in 2019 and the winery is now managed by his son Doug - a graduate of UC Davis. Doug continues his father's work in partnership with Elias Fernandez, assistant winemaker at Shafer Vineyards. Their flagship wine is Hillside Select, produced using 100% Cabernet Sauvignon and aged for 32 months in new French oak.

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