2018 Shafer Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select
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| Type of Wine | Red |
|---|---|
| Country | USA |
| Region | |
| Appellation | |
| Winery | |
| Vintage | 2018 |
| Grape | , , , Petit Verdot |
| Content (Alc) | 0.75 ltr (14.5%) |
| Drink window | 2025 - 2050 |
In stock
6 items available
Description
This Hillside Select is considered Shafer's flagship. Grapes come from the Hillside Select vineyards Sunspot, John's Upper 7, Venado Ilegal and Firebreak. Fermentation and maturation take place for approximately 30-32 months in new French oak barrels of over 227 l (Allier and Tronçais). After a light filtering it is bottled, in the bottle cellar the wine matures for at least 2 years before it is released on the market.
Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, the Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon has a deep garnet purple colour. It opens with bold crème de cassis, blueberries and cherry preserves, plus hints of smoked meat, fragrant earth and tar, with a fragrant hint of violets and Herbes de Provence. On the palate, the Hillside is full-bodied with black fruit, supported by a solid base of firm, grainy tannins and a lovely freshness, with a long finish with a seductive spicy lift.
ABOUT SHAFER VINEYARDS
Shafer Vineyards was founded in 1972, when John Shafer, after a successful career in publishing, together with his son Doug, purchased vineyards on the Silverado Trail in Napa Valley. They purchased 84 hectares, 12 of which were planted with vines. A program of replanting and replanting was immediately implemented. From the start, the Shafers have been very innovative. The goal was to arrive at a completely natural way of growing grapes and making wine. By growing clover and peas, among other things, which in addition to preventing erosion also form a rich humus layer, bees and other insects are attracted that ensure optimal pollination and a natural habitat. The use of pesticides can therefore be avoided. Winemaker Elias Fernandez has been working at Shafer since 1994 and is considered one of the most talented winemakers in Napa.
Specifications
| Type of Wine | Red |
|---|---|
| Country | USA |
| Region | Californie |
| Appellation | Napa Valley |
| Winery | Shafer Vineyards |
| Grape | Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot, Petit Verdot |
| Biological certified | No |
| Natural wine | No |
| Vegan | No |
| Vintage | 2018 |
| Drinking as of | 2025 |
| Drinking till | 2050 |
| Alcohol % | 14.5 |
| Alcohol free/low | No |
| Content | 0.75 ltr |
| Oak aging | Yes |
| Sparkling | No |
| Dessert wine | No |
| Closure | Cork |
| Parker rating | 99 |
| James Suckling rating | 99 |
| Vinous rating | 99 |
| Tasting Profiles | Complex, Droog, Houtgerijpt, Krachtig, Rood fruit, Tannines, Vol |
| Drink moments | Indruk maken, Lekker luxe, Open haard |
Professional Reviews
Parker
The Wine Advocate
RP 98+
Reviewed by:
Lisa Perrotti-Brown
Release Price:
$325
Drink Date:
2025 - 2050
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.
Published: Nov 30, 2021
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua...
James Suckling
Shafer Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Stags Leap District Hillside Select 2018
Wednesday, December 28, 2022
CountryUnited States
RegionCalifornia
Vintage2018
CHECK PRICE
DOWNLOAD SHELFTALKER
Score
99
So much black licorice in this, together with tar, blackcurrants, blackberries and slate. Full-bodied, but very toned and focused, with polish and energy. Extremely fine tannins and wonderful length. All about balance and purity. Gorgeous now, but this will age for decades to come. Great finish. Better after 2026.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua...
Vinous
98
Drinking Window
2026 - 2043
From: The 2019 Napa Valley Cabernets: A Deep Dive (Jan 2022)
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.
- By Antonio Galloni on September 2021
(97-99)
Drinking Window
2026 - 2043
From: Napa Valley’s Thrilling 2018s & 2019s, Parts 1 & 2 (Jan 2021)
The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select is a total knock-out, just as it was last year. Fresh, vibrant and wonderfully nuanced, the 2018 is simply magnificent. Red cherry jam, rose petal, cinnamon, violet, lavender and new leather all race out of the glass. More than anything else, I am so taken by the wine's energy and freshness. I find less bombastic intensity than in some previous years. In fact, the 2018 might be the most polished, elegant Hillside Select I have ever tasted. In a word: dazzling.
- By Antonio Galloni on February 2021
A fabulous edition of the flagship Hillside Select Cabernet caps off a stunning set of 2018s at Shafer. Proprietor Doug Shafer and longtime winemaker Elias Fernandez continue to add finesse and refinement to these wines. That is evident from top to bottom. I imagine the 2017 Hillside might get lost a bit in all of the anticipation for the 2018, but that would be a mistake, as it is truly superb and a magnificent achievement for a year fraught with challenges.
(96-99)
Drinking Window
2025 - 2043
From: 2017 & 2018 Napa Valley In Depth (Jan 2020)
Another absolutely stunning wine in this tasting, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select is also the most elegant and refined Hillside Select I have ever tasted. Crazy aromatic bright red fruit is pushed forward in this medium-bodied, delicate and nuanced wine. The 2018 is stunning in its beauty, with a striking inner perfume and exceptional balance.
- By Antonio Galloni on September 2019
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua...
99/100
“All Cabernet Sauvignon from specific hillside blocks on the estate, Shafer's 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select spent 28 months in 100% new French oak. It's a big, ripe wine, weighing in at 15.5% alcohol, but it remains harmonious from front to back. Deep, intense aromas of black cherries and cassis are accented by dried spices on the nose, while the full-bodied palate is rich and textural, showing tremendous intensity and length on the finish. Based on how previous examples have aged, this vintage should drink well through 2050.” 99 – Joe Czerwinski, Robert Parker Wine Advocate
“Incredibly ripe, delicious and structured, this age-worthy, collectible wine puts a lot of power in a velvety, refined package. Deep, concentrated black cherries, blackberries, dried blueberries, espresso and creme de cassis are wrapped in a full body and fine-grained, supple tannins strong enough to call for further aging of at least a few years. Best from 2030.” 99 – Jim Gordon, JamesSuckling.com
“Such a beautifully balanced wine with tremendous staying power and expressive Stags Leap ironstone minerality with heady sagebrush and conifer notes with white pepper and walnut husk. The wine has an impressive depth of red-toned fruit on the mid-palate framed by tannins that practically dance across the palate, exuding length, tension, and power. Huckleberry and black cherry fruits, black truffle, dried violets, graphite, and salted dark chocolate are all framed by racy acidity, which keeps everything fresh and lifted.” 99 – Jonathan Cristaldi, Decanter
“The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select was tasted as a barrel sample. Deep garnet-purple in color, it charges out with powerful notes of creme de cassis, plum preserves, and juicy blueberries giving way to an undercurrent of tar, candied violets, and star anise. The full-bodied palate is concentrated and impactful, delivering a firm, grainy texture and well-knit freshness to support the generous black and blue fruits, finishing long with loads of mineral and exotic spices sparks. This is impressive!” (98 – 100) – Lisa Perrotti-Brown, The Wine Independent
“As always, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon that will spend 28 months in new barrels. Its deep purple hue gives way to a behemoth of a wine that has incredible cassis, black raspberry, and even blue fruits to go with loads of camphor, minty herbs, graphite, and darker chocolate. It's full-bodied, concentrated, yet pure, flawlessly balanced, and has a great finish.” (97-99) – Jeb Dunnuck
“The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select is shaping up to be a jewel of a wine. Floral and vibrant, the 2021 sizzles with tension and a level of delineation I don’t remember seeing in the past. Like all the 2021s here, the Hillside Select possesses a notable purity of fruit and exceptional balance. The tannins need to soften a touch, but time should take care of that. I don’t see the opulence or inner sweetness of most years, but that is not a negative at all.” (96-99) – Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua...
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Wijnhuis
Shafer Vineyards was founded in 1972 when, after a successful career in publishing, John Shafer, along with his son Doug, purchased vineyards on the Silverado Trail in Napa Valley. They purchased 84 acres, 12 of which were planted with vines.A program of replanting and replanting was immediately carried out. From their inception, the Shafers have been very innovative. The aim was to arrive at a completely natural way of growing grapes and making wine. By growing clover and peas, which, in addition to preventing erosion, also form a rich humus layer, bees and other insects are attracted, which ensure optimal pollination and a natural environment. This prevents the use of pesticides. Winemaker Elias Fernandez has been with Shafer since 1994 and is considered one of the most talented winemakers in Napa. Since 2004, Shafer has been the first company in Napa to be completely self-sufficient in energy by installing solar panels on the winery. Shafer has vineyards in several AVAs of Napa Valley such as the famous Stags Leap District surrounding the winery, Yountville and vineyards in the hills towards the eastern Vaca Mountains.
This Hillside Select is considered Shafer's flagship. Grapes come from the Hillside Select vineyards Sunspot, John's Upper 7, Venado Ilegal and Firebreak. Fermentation and maturation take place for approximately 30-32 months in new French oak barrels of over 227 l (Allier and Tronçais). After a light filtering it is bottled, in the bottle cellar the wine matures for at least 2 years before it is released on the market.
Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, the Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon has a deep garnet purple colour. It opens with bold crème de cassis, blueberries and cherry preserves, plus hints of smoked meat, fragrant earth and tar, with a fragrant hint of violets and Herbes de Provence. On the palate, the Hillside is full-bodied with black fruit, supported by a solid base of firm, grainy tannins and a lovely freshness, with a long finish with a seductive spicy lift.
ABOUT SHAFER VINEYARDS
Shafer Vineyards was founded in 1972, when John Shafer, after a successful career in publishing, together with his son Doug, purchased vineyards on the Silverado Trail in Napa Valley. They purchased 84 hectares, 12 of which were planted with vines. A program of replanting and replanting was immediately implemented. From the start, the Shafers have been very innovative. The goal was to arrive at a completely natural way of growing grapes and making wine. By growing clover and peas, among other things, which in addition to preventing erosion also form a rich humus layer, bees and other insects are attracted that ensure optimal pollination and a natural habitat. The use of pesticides can therefore be avoided. Winemaker Elias Fernandez has been working at Shafer since 1994 and is considered one of the most talented winemakers in Napa.
| Type of Wine | Red |
|---|---|
| Country | USA |
| Region | Californie |
| Appellation | Napa Valley |
| Winery | Shafer Vineyards |
| Grape | Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot, Petit Verdot |
| Biological certified | No |
| Natural wine | No |
| Vegan | No |
| Vintage | 2018 |
| Drinking as of | 2025 |
| Drinking till | 2050 |
| Alcohol % | 14.5 |
| Alcohol free/low | No |
| Content | 0.75 ltr |
| Oak aging | Yes |
| Sparkling | No |
| Dessert wine | No |
| Closure | Cork |
| Parker rating | 99 |
| James Suckling rating | 99 |
| Vinous rating | 99 |
| Tasting Profiles | Complex, Droog, Houtgerijpt, Krachtig, Rood fruit, Tannines, Vol |
| Drink moments | Indruk maken, Lekker luxe, Open haard |
Parker
The Wine Advocate
RP 98+
Reviewed by:
Lisa Perrotti-Brown
Release Price:
$325
Drink Date:
2025 - 2050
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.
Published: Nov 30, 2021
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua...
James Suckling
Shafer Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Stags Leap District Hillside Select 2018
Wednesday, December 28, 2022
CountryUnited States
RegionCalifornia
Vintage2018
CHECK PRICE
DOWNLOAD SHELFTALKER
Score
99
So much black licorice in this, together with tar, blackcurrants, blackberries and slate. Full-bodied, but very toned and focused, with polish and energy. Extremely fine tannins and wonderful length. All about balance and purity. Gorgeous now, but this will age for decades to come. Great finish. Better after 2026.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua...
Vinous
98
Drinking Window
2026 - 2043
From: The 2019 Napa Valley Cabernets: A Deep Dive (Jan 2022)
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.
- By Antonio Galloni on September 2021
(97-99)
Drinking Window
2026 - 2043
From: Napa Valley’s Thrilling 2018s & 2019s, Parts 1 & 2 (Jan 2021)
The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select is a total knock-out, just as it was last year. Fresh, vibrant and wonderfully nuanced, the 2018 is simply magnificent. Red cherry jam, rose petal, cinnamon, violet, lavender and new leather all race out of the glass. More than anything else, I am so taken by the wine's energy and freshness. I find less bombastic intensity than in some previous years. In fact, the 2018 might be the most polished, elegant Hillside Select I have ever tasted. In a word: dazzling.
- By Antonio Galloni on February 2021
A fabulous edition of the flagship Hillside Select Cabernet caps off a stunning set of 2018s at Shafer. Proprietor Doug Shafer and longtime winemaker Elias Fernandez continue to add finesse and refinement to these wines. That is evident from top to bottom. I imagine the 2017 Hillside might get lost a bit in all of the anticipation for the 2018, but that would be a mistake, as it is truly superb and a magnificent achievement for a year fraught with challenges.
(96-99)
Drinking Window
2025 - 2043
From: 2017 & 2018 Napa Valley In Depth (Jan 2020)
Another absolutely stunning wine in this tasting, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select is also the most elegant and refined Hillside Select I have ever tasted. Crazy aromatic bright red fruit is pushed forward in this medium-bodied, delicate and nuanced wine. The 2018 is stunning in its beauty, with a striking inner perfume and exceptional balance.
- By Antonio Galloni on September 2019
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua...
99/100
“All Cabernet Sauvignon from specific hillside blocks on the estate, Shafer's 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select spent 28 months in 100% new French oak. It's a big, ripe wine, weighing in at 15.5% alcohol, but it remains harmonious from front to back. Deep, intense aromas of black cherries and cassis are accented by dried spices on the nose, while the full-bodied palate is rich and textural, showing tremendous intensity and length on the finish. Based on how previous examples have aged, this vintage should drink well through 2050.” 99 – Joe Czerwinski, Robert Parker Wine Advocate
“Incredibly ripe, delicious and structured, this age-worthy, collectible wine puts a lot of power in a velvety, refined package. Deep, concentrated black cherries, blackberries, dried blueberries, espresso and creme de cassis are wrapped in a full body and fine-grained, supple tannins strong enough to call for further aging of at least a few years. Best from 2030.” 99 – Jim Gordon, JamesSuckling.com
“Such a beautifully balanced wine with tremendous staying power and expressive Stags Leap ironstone minerality with heady sagebrush and conifer notes with white pepper and walnut husk. The wine has an impressive depth of red-toned fruit on the mid-palate framed by tannins that practically dance across the palate, exuding length, tension, and power. Huckleberry and black cherry fruits, black truffle, dried violets, graphite, and salted dark chocolate are all framed by racy acidity, which keeps everything fresh and lifted.” 99 – Jonathan Cristaldi, Decanter
“The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select was tasted as a barrel sample. Deep garnet-purple in color, it charges out with powerful notes of creme de cassis, plum preserves, and juicy blueberries giving way to an undercurrent of tar, candied violets, and star anise. The full-bodied palate is concentrated and impactful, delivering a firm, grainy texture and well-knit freshness to support the generous black and blue fruits, finishing long with loads of mineral and exotic spices sparks. This is impressive!” (98 – 100) – Lisa Perrotti-Brown, The Wine Independent
“As always, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon that will spend 28 months in new barrels. Its deep purple hue gives way to a behemoth of a wine that has incredible cassis, black raspberry, and even blue fruits to go with loads of camphor, minty herbs, graphite, and darker chocolate. It's full-bodied, concentrated, yet pure, flawlessly balanced, and has a great finish.” (97-99) – Jeb Dunnuck
“The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select is shaping up to be a jewel of a wine. Floral and vibrant, the 2021 sizzles with tension and a level of delineation I don’t remember seeing in the past. Like all the 2021s here, the Hillside Select possesses a notable purity of fruit and exceptional balance. The tannins need to soften a touch, but time should take care of that. I don’t see the opulence or inner sweetness of most years, but that is not a negative at all.” (96-99) – Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua...
Exclusive Content
Sign in to unlock professional wine reviews from world-renowned critics
Shafer Vineyards was founded in 1972 when, after a successful career in publishing, John Shafer, along with his son Doug, purchased vineyards on the Silverado Trail in Napa Valley. They purchased 84 acres, 12 of which were planted with vines.A program of replanting and replanting was immediately carried out. From their inception, the Shafers have been very innovative. The aim was to arrive at a completely natural way of growing grapes and making wine. By growing clover and peas, which, in addition to preventing erosion, also form a rich humus layer, bees and other insects are attracted, which ensure optimal pollination and a natural environment. This prevents the use of pesticides. Winemaker Elias Fernandez has been with Shafer since 1994 and is considered one of the most talented winemakers in Napa. Since 2004, Shafer has been the first company in Napa to be completely self-sufficient in energy by installing solar panels on the winery. Shafer has vineyards in several AVAs of Napa Valley such as the famous Stags Leap District surrounding the winery, Yountville and vineyards in the hills towards the eastern Vaca Mountains.