1997 Shafer Hillside Select Stags Leap District Cabernet Sauvignon
SKU #500507
Just when we thought this one would never grow up, we find it moving past primary fruit with elegant characteristics of cedar, tea and tobacco. Even so, expect the ’97 to remain lively for a few years to come as it still offers big mouthfeel, dark color, with flavors of chocolate and black fruit. A long finish of mocha, vanilla and spice is tied up with the classic tannins of the Stags Leap District
ROBERT PARKER REVIEW: Since 1991, Shafer's Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon has unquestionably been one of the top dozen or so California Cabernets. Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon and aged 32 months in 100% French oak casks (the majority Taransaud), it possesses the elegance and finesse one would expect from the Stag's Leap area, but also monumental power, richness, and intensity.Drink: 2000 - 2030.
WINE SPECTATOR REVIEW: Dense, rich and concentrated, packed with black cherry, blackberry and currant flavors, picking up a pencil lead, mocha and anise edge before the tannins weigh in. A massive wine that will need time.
Hillside Select is made of 100 percent Cabernet Sauvignon fruit sourced from rugged hillside vineyard blocks on our Stags Leap District Estate. Truly a “wine of a place,” this Cabernet exemplifies the extraordinary richness and suppleness consistently produced in our little valley within a valley.
Hillside Select is aged a full four years prior to release (three years in Alliers and Tronçais oak barrels and one year in the bottle). While enjoyable today, this wine will gain richness and maturity with up to 20 years of careful cellaring.
| Bottle Size | 750ml |
|---|---|
| Vintage | 1997 |
| Country | United States |
| Region | California |
| Appellation | Napa Valley |
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