Stags Leap Cabernet Sauvignon Wine

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2008 Shafer - Cabernet Sauvignon Stags Leap District Hillside Select

Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon | Location: United States - California - Stags Leap

WS 96

WA 99

The 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select may turn out to be nearly as good. A great success for the vintage and further proof of just how good this year can be for Napa Bordeaux varietals, it boasts an opaque purple color as well as a big, sweet bouquet of white chocolate, espresso roast, oak, creme de cassis, blackberries and camphor. A potential candidate for the wine of the vintage, it is dense, full-bodied, rich, powerful and well-balanced. This is another compelling effort from Elias Fernandez and his two bosses, Doug and John Shafer. This 2008 should be fabulous when released in 2012, and last for 30+ years.

(Not yet released)

While still renowned for their portfolio of classic world-class reds, Shafer also turns out a terrific non-malolactic Chardonnay from the Red Shoulder Ranch. The only dramatic change made over recent years is that instead of 100% being barrel-fermented and oak-aged, 25% is now aged in stainless steel which has added freshness and possibly longevity. Introduced several years ago, the Cabernet Sauvignon One Point Five cuvee is aged 22 months in 100% new French oak. It is meant to be a reference point Cabernet from Stags Leap priced lower than Shafer's limited production, usually monumental Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon. Shafer's flagship offering is their monumental Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select (about 2,000 cases produced). Always 100% Cabernet Sauvignon aged for at least 30 months in oak, this is one of Napa's most profound wines. Since 1999, Shafer has made a Syrah/Petite Sirah blend (usually 80% of the former and 20% of the latter) aged 32 months in 100% new French oak. The first vintage, the 1999 Relentless, which they opened at the winery to show how well it is aging, is still a baby at age 11. I rated it 96 points, which is higher than the 93 points I gave it in 2002. So much for California Syrah not aging well! The 1999 is still intense with a plum color and lots of grilled meat, herb, licorice and spice characteristics.

Tel. (707) 944-2877; Fax (707) 944-9454The 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select may turn out to be nearly as good. A great success for the vintage and further proof of just how good this year can be for Napa Bordeaux varietals, it boasts an opaque purple color as well as a big, sweet bouquet of white chocolate, espresso roast, oak, creme de cassis, blackberries and camphor. A potential candidate for the wine of the vintage, it is dense, full-bodied, rich, powerful and well-balanced. This is another compelling effort from Elias Fernandez and his two bosses, Doug and John Shafer. This 2008 should be fabulous when released in 2012, and last for 30+ years.

(Not yet released)

While still renowned for their portfolio of classic world-class reds, Shafer also turns out a terrific non-malolactic Chardonnay from the Red Shoulder Ranch. The only dramatic change made over recent years is that instead of 100% being barrel-fermented and oak-aged, 25% is now aged in stainless steel which has added freshness and possibly longevity. Introduced several years ago, the Cabernet Sauvignon One Point Five cuvee is aged 22 months in 100% new French oak. It is meant to be a reference point Cabernet from Stags Leap priced lower than Shafer's limited production, usually monumental Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon. Shafer's flagship offering is their monumental Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select (about 2,000 cases produced). Always 100% Cabernet Sauvignon aged for at least 30 months in oak, this is one of Napa's most profound wines. Since 1999, Shafer has made a Syrah/Petite Sirah blend (usually 80% of the former and 20% of the latter) aged 32 months in 100% new French oak. The first vintage, the 1999 Relentless, which they opened at the winery to show how well it is aging, is still a baby at age 11. I rated it 96 points, which is higher than the 93 points I gave it in 2002. So much for California Syrah not aging well! The 1999 is still intense with a plum color and lots of grilled meat, herb, licorice and spice characteristics. -- Robert Parker

Bottle: $250.00

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