Hillside Select 2018 Shafer

Professionele reviews

Robert Parker (98)

Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select displays a deep garnet-purple color. It charges out of the gate with bold crème de cassis, blueberry pie and black cherry preserves notes, plus hints of smoked meats, fragrant earth and tar, with a fragrant waft of violets and Provence herbs. Full-bodied, the palate is packed with muscular black fruits, supported by a solid foundation of firm, grainy tannins and compelling freshness, finishing long with an enticing herbal lift.

BOW (9)

Jeb Dunnuck (100)

The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select is another perfect wine, although readers will need to have patience, as it’s still a baby. Deep purple-hued with a perfumed, vibrant bouquet of blue fruits, graphite, spring flowers, and lead pencil, it’s full-bodied, sensationally concentrated, has perfectly integrated acidity, tannin, and alcohol, not a hard edge to be found, and an incredible finish. This monumental Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is 7-8 years away from maturity and will have 40-50 years of overall longevity.

Vinous (98)

Just as it was from barrel, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select is stunning. Bright acids give the 2018 tons of energy. This is an especially mid-weight, refined Hillside Select that is all class. Dark blue/purplish fruit, lavender, spice, mint and blood orange build in the glass. Elegant and bright, the 2018 shows all the energy of the year in spades.

Falstaff (98)

Crushed plum and mocha have a hint of mint on the nose and immediately point to intense concentration. The palate then is a sumptuous swish of utterly concentrated but aromatic fruit, edged with freshness and revealing layers of smoke, blackberry, cocoa and mocha. Ripe tannins are firm but smooth and underlined by fine, mouth-watering acidity. A picture of sleek, smooth, bundled power. AK

Wine Enthusiast (97)

Shafer's iconic, flagship wine is richly textured and flavor packed. It starts with a minty, figgy, bay-leaf aroma before full, ripe, bold black fruits, tobacco and oak spices take over the palate, accompanied by masses of velvety tannins. Excellent depth and concentration will help it age well.