2010 Shafer, Hillside Select, Stags Leap District 1x750ml

Vinous 95+

(15.5% alcohol): Saturated ruby to the rim. Primary, almost grapey aromas of cassis, tar, menthol, bitter chocolate, licorice and pungent minerality. Conveys a sappy, liqueur-like ripeness but with a distinctly medicinal quality suggesting that this hugely concentrated wine is still a baby. In fact, this extremely backward, savory wine tastes virtually like a tank sample. Its thorough ripeness, firm spine of acidity and noble tannins suggest that it will develop at a snail’s pace. This may ultimately turn out to be the finest vintage of Hillside Select to date. [Stephen Tanzer, 07/01/2016]

Anticipated maturity: 2022-2040

Robert Parker 100

The 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select, already given a 100-point score, was tasted again. It has everything one could ever want in a prodigious, world-class Cabernet Sauvignon. Notes of lead pencil shavings, creme de cassis, vanilla, unsmoked cigar tobacco, licorice and forest floor are all present in this wine that is absolutely remarkable. It’s full-bodied, seamlessly constructed, with great purity and a tremendous 50-60 second finish. This obviously will age 25-30 years, if not a lot longer. This has turned out to be a great, great vintage that seems to grow in stature in the bottle. [Robert M. Parker, Jr., 30/10/2014]

Anticipated maturity: 2014-2044