2018 Shafer Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select

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.