{"title":"Shafer","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"shafer-merlot-napa-2023","title":"Shafer Merlot Napa 2023","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eShafer Merlot Napa 2023\u003c\/strong\u003e is a full-bodied Stags Leap District Merlot blend bottled at 15.1% ABV in a standard 750ml format. Produced by Shafer Vineyards under longtime winemaker Elias Fernandez, this release continues one of Napa Valley's most quietly respected Merlot programs — a wine built on estate-quality fruit, sustainable farming, and 20 months of French oak aging.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 15.1%  |  Origin: Stags Leap District, Napa Valley, California  |  Vintage: 2023  |  Winery: Shafer Vineyards\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eShafer Vineyards was founded in 1972 by John Shafer in the Stags Leap District, one of Napa Valley's most prestigious appellations. The 2023 Merlot is a blend of 85–90% Merlot with Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec filling out the balance, aged for an average of 20 months in 75% new French oak barrels. The estate's barrel cellar is carved into the hillside behind the winery and lined entirely with stainless steel — the only wood present is in the barrels themselves, a deliberate design to minimize TCA contamination. Vineyards are managed sustainably without chemical fertilizers or pesticides, using vine-by-vine drip irrigation fed by on-site rainwater reservoirs.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e The nose opens with abundant red plum and dark cherry, layered with raspberry and lifted by violet and lavender florals. Secondary notes of vanilla, baking spice, and a faint graphite minerality emerge with time in the glass.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The palate entry is rich and concentrated, with densely packed dark fruit — cherry, plum, and a streak of blackcurrant — framed by tightly wound tannins. At mid-palate, licorice, coffee bean, and fresh herbs surface alongside a truffle-like earthiness. The overall impression is of power balanced by surprising freshness, with cranberry-like acidity threading through the fruit.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Long and sinewy, with a smoky, cigar-like quality that amplifies the wine's structure. Lingering notes of baking spice, dried herbs, and dark chocolate slowly recede.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Serve Shafer Merlot\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBest served at 60–65°F in a large-bowled red wine glass. A 30- to 60-minute decant opens up the layered aromatics and softens the tannin grip, though the wine also rewards patient sipping straight from the bottle as it evolves over the course of an evening. This is a food-friendly Merlot with enough structure for braised short ribs, enough fruit depth for herb-crusted lamb, and enough spice complexity to stand alongside aged hard cheeses or a charcuterie board built around cured meats and dark chocolate.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting a serious Napa Valley wine collector\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAnchoring a multi-course dinner party with red meat or game\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCellaring 5–10 years for those who enjoy tracking a wine's evolution\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroducing someone to premium Stags Leap District wines beyond Cabernet Sauvignon\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Shafer Merlot taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e Shafer Merlot 2023 leads with dark cherry, red plum, and raspberry fruit, supported by vanilla, baking spice, and a truffle-like earthiness. The tannins are tightly wound but balanced by fresh acidity and a long, smoky finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Shafer Merlot compare to PlumpJack Merlot?\u003c\/strong\u003e Both are premium Napa Valley Merlots, but Shafer's Stags Leap District sourcing and 75% new French oak aging tend to produce a denser, more structured wine. PlumpJack Merlot is typically rounder on entry with softer tannins, making it more immediately approachable.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Shafer Merlot good for sipping on its own?\u003c\/strong\u003e It is — this is a full-bodied, layered wine that rewards contemplative drinking. A short decant helps reveal its full complexity, but it stands confidently on its own without food.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Shafer Merlot made?\u003c\/strong\u003e Shafer Merlot is produced by Shafer Vineyards in the Stags Leap District of Napa Valley, California. The appellation is known for its volcanic soils and warm microclimate, conditions ideally suited to red Bordeaux varieties like Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Shafer Merlot?\u003c\/strong\u003e Braised short ribs complement the wine's dark fruit and oak spice. Herb-crusted rack of lamb echoes the herbal undertones. Aged Gouda or Comté match the wine's richness and tannic structure. Mushroom risotto mirrors the truffle-like earthiness. Dark chocolate desserts align with the smoky, cocoa-toned finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Shafer Merlot come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e The standard release is a 750ml bottle. Larger formats may be available in limited quantities depending on vintage and allocation.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Shafer Merlot worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Shafer Merlot sits firmly in the premium tier of Napa Valley Merlot, reflecting its Stags Leap District pedigree, estate-quality fruit, and extended French oak aging. For the consistency of winemaking under Elias Fernandez and the estate's sustainable approach, it represents strong value within its category.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Shafer Merlot?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eShafer Vineyards has been producing wine in the Stags Leap District since 1972, and its Merlot program is one of Napa's most consistently well-made. The 2023 vintage benefits from meticulous sustainable farming and a unique hillside barrel cellar engineered entirely in stainless steel to eliminate TCA risk — an investment most wineries never make. Winemaker Elias Fernandez has shaped Shafer's house style for decades, and this release reflects that accumulated precision: structured, deeply aromatic, and built for both immediate pleasure and medium-term cellaring. In a region where Merlot is often overshadowed by Cabernet Sauvignon, this bottling makes a compelling case for the grape's potential in the right hands and the right terroir.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Shafer","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44837481087145,"sku":"376","price":109.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/Shafer_Merlot_Napa__80004.jpg?v=1730483855"},{"product_id":"shafer-red-shoulder-ranch-chardonnay-2019","title":"Shafer Red Shoulder Ranch Chardonnay 2019","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eShafer Red Shoulder Ranch Chardonnay 2019\u003c\/strong\u003e is a 100% Chardonnay from Carneros, Napa Valley, bottled at 14.9% ABV in a standard 750ml format. Jeb Dunnuck awarded this vintage 94–96 points, and Robert Parker's Wine Advocate scored it 93 points, underscoring a release that balances opulent fruit with striking freshness.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 14.9%  |  Origin: Carneros, Napa Valley, California  |  Vintage: 2019  |  Producer: Shafer Vineyards\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eShafer Vineyards was founded in 1978 by John Shafer in the Stags Leap District of Napa Valley, and the winery remains family-owned and operated. The Red Shoulder Ranch Chardonnay is sourced from the estate's Carneros vineyard and barrel fermented using a split of 75% new French oak and 25% stainless steel, with indigenous wild yeast driving fermentation. Crucially, the wine undergoes no malolactic fermentation—a deliberate choice that preserves the grape's vibrant natural acidity—followed by 14 months of aging, yielding a wine that achieves richness without sacrificing precision.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e The nose opens with ripe apricot, pineapple, and green mango, layered over more delicate notes of honeysuckle, white flowers, and candied ginger. Beneath the fruit sits a toasty undercurrent of brioche and almond from the French oak fermentation.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e On entry, the palate is generous and full-bodied—buttered lemon and tangerine give way to white melon and ripe tropical fruit at the mid-palate. Rich acidity cuts through the density, carrying a mineral snap alongside flavors of grapefruit peel and Fuji apple. Antonio Galloni at Vinous described the 2019 as \"bright, fragrant and light on its feet,\" and that tension between weight and lift defines the drinking experience.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e The finish is long and spiced, with lingering notes of toasted almond, clove, and flinty minerality. A clean, citrus-driven freshness carries through to the very end, leaving the palate refreshed rather than fatigued.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Red Shoulder Ranch Chardonnay\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis wine shows best served lightly chilled—around 55°F—in a wide-bowled glass that lets the aromatic complexity unfold. It drinks beautifully on its own but has the structure and acidity to stand up in food-driven settings. A \u003cstrong\u003eWhite Negroni\u003c\/strong\u003e (substituting Suze and dry vermouth) benefits from the wine's bitter citrus peel quality as a flavor bridge. A \u003cstrong\u003eFrench 75\u003c\/strong\u003e riff using still Chardonnay in place of Champagne leverages the wine's brioche and lemon character. And a simple \u003cstrong\u003eSpritz\u003c\/strong\u003e with sparkling water and a grapefruit twist preserves the wine's minerality while adding refreshment.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting a serious wine collector who values Napa Valley Chardonnay\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePairing with a multi-course seafood dinner\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCelebrating a milestone with a critically acclaimed California white\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStocking a cellar with age-worthy Chardonnay from a benchmark vintage\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Red Shoulder Ranch Chardonnay taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e The 2019 delivers rich tropical fruit—pineapple, apricot, and melon—balanced by bright citrus acidity and a mineral, flinty finish. French oak adds layers of brioche, toasted almond, and baking spice without overwhelming the fruit.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Red Shoulder Ranch compare to Rombauer Chardonnay?\u003c\/strong\u003e Both are full-bodied California Chardonnays, but the Shafer skips malolactic fermentation entirely, resulting in noticeably higher natural acidity and a leaner mineral backbone than Rombauer's rounder, more buttery profile. The Red Shoulder Ranch also uses wild yeast fermentation, which contributes additional aromatic complexity.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Red Shoulder Ranch good for sipping on its own?\u003c\/strong\u003e Absolutely—the interplay of rich fruit, toasty oak, and bright acidity makes this a compelling wine to drink neat, especially when served lightly chilled around 55°F. Its 94–96 point score from Jeb Dunnuck reflects its quality as a standalone sipper.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Red Shoulder Ranch Chardonnay made?\u003c\/strong\u003e It is produced by Shafer Vineyards, a family-owned estate founded in 1978 in Napa Valley's Stags Leap District. The Chardonnay grapes are sourced from the estate's Red Shoulder Ranch vineyard in the cooler Carneros appellation at the southern end of Napa Valley.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Red Shoulder Ranch Chardonnay?\u003c\/strong\u003e Roasted lobster tail benefits from the wine's richness and citrus acidity. Seared scallops with a brown butter sauce echo the toasty oak notes. Roast chicken with herbs matches the wine's weight without competing. Aged Gruyère or Comté cheese mirrors the nutty, toasted almond character. Apricot-glazed pork tenderloin complements the stone fruit aromatics.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Red Shoulder Ranch come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e The standard release is a 750ml bottle, which is the most widely available format for the 2019 vintage.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Red Shoulder Ranch worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Red Shoulder Ranch positions as a premium Napa Valley Chardonnay, and its consistent critical acclaim—scores of 91 to 96 points across major publications for this vintage alone—places it among the top tier of California Chardonnays at its price level. The estate-grown fruit, wild yeast fermentation, and 14 months of French oak aging reflect genuine production investment.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Red Shoulder Ranch?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe decision to forgo malolactic fermentation is what separates this wine from the majority of barrel-fermented Napa Chardonnays. Where many producers lean into creamy, buttery richness, Shafer retains the raw acidity of the Carneros fruit, then builds complexity through wild yeast fermentation and 14 months in new French oak. The 2019 vintage earned scores from four major critics—Jeb Dunnuck (94–96), Robert Parker (93), Wine Spectator (92), and Wine \u0026amp; Spirits (91)—a rare consensus that speaks to both the quality of the vintage and the consistency of the winemaking. For anyone seeking a California Chardonnay that delivers weight without heaviness, this remains one of the clearest expressions of that philosophy in Napa Valley.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Shafer","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44837533483177,"sku":"375","price":73.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/Shafer-Red-Shoulder-Ranch-Chardonnay__11637.jpg?v=1730485634"},{"product_id":"shafer-hillside-select-cabernet-sauvignon-2021","title":"Shafer Hillside Select  Cabernet Sauvignon 2021","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eShafer Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon 2021\u003c\/strong\u003e is a 750ml, 15.5% ABV, 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley's celebrated Stags Leap District. The 2021 vintage earned 100 points from The Wine Independent, 99 points from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 99 points from Jeb Dunnuck, and 99 points from Decanter — placing it among the most critically lauded California Cabernets of the decade.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 15.5%  |  Origin: Stags Leap District, Napa Valley, California  |  Vintage: 2021  |  Producer: Shafer Vineyards  |  Production: 2,900 Cases\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHillside Select is sourced exclusively from Shafer Vineyards' steepest blocks, situated in a natural box canyon within the Stags Leap District. The vineyard's topsoil is virtually non-existent, forcing vine roots through white volcanic tufa where they rarely extend more than 18 inches before striking bedrock — a defining factor behind the wine's extraordinary concentration and mineral intensity. The 2021 vintage was aged 28 months in 100% new French oak barrels from the Allier and Tronçais forests, with only 2,900 cases produced.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e Deep, powerful aromas of crème de cassis, black cherry, and blackberry lead the initial impression, followed by cedar, dried violets, and leather. A secondary wave of camphor, graphite, and star anise adds further complexity as the wine opens in the glass.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The entry is rich and full-bodied, with intense black raspberry, huckleberry, and blueberry fruit commanding the palate. At mid-palate, black truffle, salted dark chocolate, and plum preserves emerge alongside minty herbs and darker chocolate tones. Racy acidity cuts through the concentration, keeping everything fresh, lifted, and flawlessly balanced despite the wine's tremendous density.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Exceptionally long and textural, with lingering graphite, dark chocolate, and cassis that persist for well over a minute. Fine-grained tannins resolve gradually, leaving a persistent mineral and violet echo that reinforces the volcanic terroir.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Hillside Select\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDecant for at least 60 to 90 minutes if drinking now — this wine is built for the long haul and will reward cellaring for 20 to 30 years. Serve at 60–65°F in a large-bowled Bordeaux glass to allow the layered aromatics room to develop. A slight chill straight from a proper cellar is preferable to serving at ambient room temperature. While this is emphatically a wine for savoring on its own, it stands up beautifully to rich culinary pairings: grilled prime ribeye with a peppercorn crust, braised short ribs with red wine reduction, or dry-aged lamb chops with rosemary — dishes with enough weight and complexity to match the wine's intensity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLong-term cellaring as an investment-grade wine with 20+ year aging potential\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMarking a milestone — anniversary, retirement, or major life achievement\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting a serious Napa Valley Cabernet collector\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAnchoring a comparative tasting of top-tier Stags Leap District producers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Hillside Select 2021 taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e The wine delivers intense layers of cassis, black cherry, and black raspberry fruit, underscored by graphite, dark chocolate, camphor, and dried violets. Racy acidity and fine tannins provide structure beneath the concentration, creating a full-bodied but remarkably balanced Cabernet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Hillside Select compare to Scarecrow Cabernet Sauvignon?\u003c\/strong\u003e Both are ultra-premium, cult-status Napa Valley Cabernets with exceptional critical acclaim, but they express different terroirs — Hillside Select draws its mineral intensity from volcanic tufa soils in the Stags Leap District, while Scarecrow reflects the alluvial benchland soils of Rutherford. The 2021 Hillside Select's near-perfect scores across multiple publications place it in direct conversation with Scarecrow's best vintages.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Hillside Select 2021 good for drinking now?\u003c\/strong\u003e It can be enjoyed now with extended decanting of 60 to 90 minutes, but this vintage has the structure and concentration to age gracefully for two decades or more, rewarding patience with increasing complexity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Hillside Select made?\u003c\/strong\u003e Hillside Select is produced by Shafer Vineyards in the Stags Leap District of Napa Valley, California. The fruit comes from the estate's steepest vineyard blocks, planted on volcanic tufa hillsides within a natural box canyon formation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Hillside Select?\u003c\/strong\u003e Grilled prime ribeye with cracked black pepper complements the wine's dark fruit density. Braised short ribs with red wine reduction echo its depth and earthiness. Dry-aged lamb chops with rosemary match its herbal undertones. Hard aged cheeses like Comté or aged Gouda bridge the graphite and chocolate notes. Dark chocolate truffles with fleur de sel mirror the wine's salted chocolate character.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Hillside Select come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e The standard release is a 750ml bottle, though Shafer has historically offered limited magnums (1.5L) for select vintages.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Hillside Select 2021 worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Hillside Select positions firmly in the ultra-premium tier of Napa Valley Cabernet, competing with the most celebrated bottlings in California. With 99-point scores from Parker, Dunnuck, and Decanter plus a perfect 100 from The Wine Independent, the 2021 vintage represents one of the strongest releases in the wine's history, supporting its standing among collectors and investors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Hillside Select?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 2021 vintage may be the most critically acclaimed Hillside Select ever released, collecting near-perfect and perfect scores from every major publication that reviewed it. What separates this wine from other elite Napa Cabernets is the singular terroir of Shafer's steep hillside blocks — volcanic tufa bedrock just 18 inches below the surface that starves vines into producing fruit of extraordinary concentration and mineral complexity. With only 2,900 cases produced and 28 months in new French oak from premier forests, the 2021 delivers the kind of depth, structure, and aging potential that has made Hillside Select one of the benchmarks against which all Stags Leap District Cabernets are measured. For collectors tracking the greatest California Cabernet vintages, this is an essential bottle.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Shafer","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44837574869161,"sku":"378","price":399.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/Shafer_Hillside_Select_Stags_Leap_Cabernet_Sauvignon__82880.jpg?v=1730486858"},{"product_id":"shafer-hillside-select-cabernet-sauvignon-2011","title":"Shafer Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon 2018","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eShafer Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon 2018\u003c\/strong\u003e is a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from Stags Leap District, Napa Valley, bottled at 15.5% ABV in a standard 750ml format. This vintage earned a perfect 100 points from Jeb Dunnuck and 98+ points from Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate, placing it among the most acclaimed California Cabernets of the decade.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 15.5%  |  Origin: Stags Leap District, Napa Valley, California  |  Vintage: 2018  |  Producer: Shafer Vineyards\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eShafer Vineyards has been farming hillside vineyards in the Stags Leap District since the early days of Napa Valley's modern era, and Hillside Select stands as the estate's flagship bottling. Winemaker Elias Fernandez hand-selects individual French oak barrels by smelling each one from a shipment of the finest tight-grain cooperage, choosing only the most aromatic for Hillside Select. The 2018 was aged for 32 months in 100% new French oak, drawn exclusively from hand-harvested hillside fruit — a selection process that distinguishes it from every other wine in the Shafer portfolio.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e An opulent wave of crème de cassis and black raspberry gives way to spring flowers, lead pencil shavings, and a thread of crushed minerality. Violets and Provençal herbs hover in the background, adding fragrant complexity.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The entry is dense and layered, with blackberry preserves, black cherry, and blueberry pie filling across a muscular mid-palate. As the wine opens, cinnamon, mocha, briar fruit, and hints of smoked meat emerge. Full-bodied yet remarkably toned, it displays a rare combination of power and polished focus.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Extremely long and finely textured, with black licorice, tar, slate, and dark fruit persisting well after each sip. The tannins are velvety and seamlessly integrated, leaving a lasting impression of energy and precision.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Hillside Select 2018\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis wine rewards patient, unhurried drinking — serve it at around 64–66°F in a large-bowled Bordeaux glass, ideally after an hour of decanting. Hillside Select 2018 is built for the table: pair it with a bone-in ribeye finished in herb butter, braised short ribs with dark cherry reduction, or a roasted rack of lamb with rosemary and black olive tapenade.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCelebrating a milestone vintage year or significant personal achievement\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting a serious Napa Valley Cabernet collector\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAnchoring a multi-course steakhouse dinner at home\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAdding a 100-point wine to a long-term cellar collection\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Hillside Select 2018 taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e It delivers a concentrated core of crème de cassis, blackberry, and black cherry layered with mocha, cinnamon, and smoked meat, framed by velvety tannins and a long slate-and-licorice finish. The overall impression is one of power held in check by exceptional precision.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Hillside Select compare to Opus One?\u003c\/strong\u003e Both are benchmark Napa Valley Cabernet-based wines at comparable price tiers, but Hillside Select is a single-vineyard, 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from Stags Leap District hillside blocks, while Opus One is a Bordeaux-style blend sourced from Oakville. The 2018 Hillside Select also carries a higher critical ceiling, having received a perfect 100 points from Jeb Dunnuck.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Hillside Select 2018 good for cellaring?\u003c\/strong\u003e Absolutely — its dense fruit concentration, structured tannins, and 32-month aging in new French oak give it serious aging potential, with most critics suggesting a drinking window extending into the 2040s and beyond. It is already approachable with decanting but will continue to evolve for decades.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Hillside Select made?\u003c\/strong\u003e Hillside Select is produced by Shafer Vineyards in the Stags Leap District AVA of Napa Valley, California. The fruit comes from the estate's steep hillside vineyards, one of the most celebrated terroirs in the entire Napa Valley.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Hillside Select 2018?\u003c\/strong\u003e Grilled bone-in ribeye or porterhouse steak matches the wine's weight and dark fruit intensity. Braised short ribs with a savory reduction complement its mocha and spice notes. Roasted lamb with herbs and black olive echoes the wine's Provençal aromatics. Aged hard cheeses like Comté or Parmigiano-Reggiano highlight its tannic structure, while dark chocolate torte mirrors its licorice and cassis finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Hillside Select come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e The standard release is a 750ml bottle, and Shafer has historically offered limited magnum (1.5L) formats for select vintages.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Hillside Select 2018 worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Hillside Select positions firmly in the ultra-premium tier of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, and the 2018 vintage — with its perfect 100-point Jeb Dunnuck score and 98+ from The Wine Advocate — represents one of the strongest cases for value at this level. Few Napa wines at any price achieve this degree of critical consensus.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Hillside Select 2018?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eA perfect score from Jeb Dunnuck and near-perfect marks from four additional major publications make the 2018 one of the most decorated Hillside Select vintages in the wine's history. The barrel-by-barrel selection process — where winemaker Elias Fernandez individually smells each French oak barrel before choosing only the most aromatic — is a level of curation rarely seen even among Napa's most celebrated producers. The 2018 growing season delivered exceptional concentration and balance on the Stags Leap hillsides, and the resulting wine channels that quality into a seamless expression of site and skill. For collectors and enthusiasts seeking a defining Napa Valley Cabernet, this vintage sets a benchmark that is difficult to surpass.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Shafer","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44837620383913,"sku":"21544","price":369.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/Shafer_Hillside_Select_Cabernet_Sauvignon__39319.jpg?v=1730488473"},{"product_id":"shafer-hillside-select-cabernet-sauvignon-2019","title":"Shafer Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon 2019","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eShafer Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon 2019\u003c\/strong\u003e is a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley's Stags Leap District, bottled at 15.5% ABV in a standard 750ml format. This vintage earned 98+ points from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate (Joe Czerwinski) and 98+ points from Jeb Dunnuck, cementing its place among Napa's most celebrated modern releases.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 15.5%  |  Origin: Stags Leap District, Napa Valley, California  |  Varietal: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon  |  Winery: Shafer Vineyards\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShafer Vineyards was established in 1972 when John Shafer purchased a hillside estate in the Stags Leap District. Hillside Select, the winery's flagship bottling, debuted with the 1983 vintage and draws exclusively from steep, rocky vineyard blocks where shallow topsoil—sometimes less than 18 inches deep—meets volcanic bedrock. This geological constraint naturally limits vine vigor and concentrates fruit intensity. The 2019 was aged for 32 months in 100% new French oak barrels, a signature approach that frames the wine's density without overwhelming its site-driven character.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e The nose opens with concentrated cassis and black raspberry before layering in pencil shavings, dark loam, and camphor. Floral lift from violets and lavender adds complexity as the wine breathes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e Full-bodied entry with super-ripe, dense fruit—plum cake, blackberry compote, and açaí berry dominate the mid-palate. A gravelly, mineral undercurrent emerges beneath the richness, revealing the volcanic terroir. Fine, structured tannins provide a firm scaffold without aggressive grip, while threads of melted black licorice and baking spice weave through each layer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Long and polished, trailing singed mesquite, mint, and dark mineral tones. The tannin structure sustains the finish for well over a minute, suggesting decades of cellar potential.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Hillside Select 2019\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis wine is best served neat in a large-bowled Bordeaux glass at around 65°F; a 30- to 60-minute decant helps unlock the secondary aromatics in its youth. Given its concentration and pedigree, cocktail use would be inappropriate—this is a wine built for the table and the cellar. Pair it with grilled prime ribeye for a classic match with its dense fruit and structured tannins, braised short ribs where the wine's dark berry intensity mirrors the dish's richness, or aged hard cheeses like 24-month Comté whose nutty salinity contrasts the wine's ripe fruit core.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCellaring for a milestone anniversary or retirement (drinking window extends through the late 2040s)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting a serious Napa Cabernet collector a benchmark vintage\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAnchoring a vertical tasting of Hillside Select vintages\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePairing with a special-occasion steak dinner or holiday prime rib\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Hillside Select 2019 taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e It delivers an intensely concentrated profile of cassis, blackberry compote, and plum cake, layered with pencil shavings, camphor, and volcanic minerality. The tannins are fine-grained but structured, and the finish carries dark licorice and mesquite notes for well over a minute.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Hillside Select compare to Screaming Eagle Cabernet Sauvignon?\u003c\/strong\u003e Both are iconic Stags Leap District and Oakville Napa Cabernets that routinely command cult-level prices and critical scores above 95 points. Hillside Select tends toward darker, more mineral-driven concentration rooted in its volcanic hillside terroir, while Screaming Eagle generally emphasizes purity and textural finesse from its valley-floor site.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Hillside Select 2019 good for cellaring?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes—the combination of 15.5% ABV, 32 months in new French oak, and firm tannin structure gives this vintage a projected drinking window stretching into the 2040s. It will reward patience with increased secondary complexity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Hillside Select made?\u003c\/strong\u003e Hillside Select is produced by Shafer Vineyards in the Stags Leap District AVA of Napa Valley, California. The fruit comes from steep hillside blocks on the estate where volcanic bedrock sits just beneath the surface.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Hillside Select 2019?\u003c\/strong\u003e Grilled prime ribeye matches its bold tannin and dark fruit; braised lamb shanks echo its earthy, savory undertones; truffle risotto complements the camphor and mineral notes; aged Gruyère or Comté offers a salty counterpoint to the wine's richness; and dark chocolate with 70%+ cacao mirrors its concentrated finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Hillside Select come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e The standard release is a 750ml bottle; Shafer also produces magnums (1.5L) in select vintages, which are highly sought after by collectors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Hillside Select 2019 worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Hillside Select positions firmly in the ultra-premium tier of Napa Valley Cabernet, and the 2019 vintage's consistent 97–98+ point scores across six major publications support its standing among the appellation's top wines at this level.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Hillside Select 2019?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 2019 vintage is one of the most uniformly acclaimed Hillside Select releases in recent memory, earning 98+ points from both Robert Parker's Wine Advocate and Jeb Dunnuck, along with 98 points each from Vinous (Antonio Galloni) and James Suckling. What separates Hillside Select from other elite Napa Cabernets is its volcanic hillside terroir—vines rooting through barely 18 inches of topsoil into white volcanic rock, producing naturally low yields of extraordinarily concentrated fruit. Thirty-two months in 100% new French oak gives the wine architectural polish without masking that raw site intensity. For collectors and serious Cabernet drinkers, the 2019 stands as a defining expression of the Stags Leap District.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Shafer","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44839154679977,"sku":"38030","price":369.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/Shafer-Hillside-Select-Cabernet-Sauvignon__29934.jpg?v=1730517496"}],"url":"https:\/\/theliquorbarn.com\/collections\/shafer.oembed","provider":"The Liquor Barn","version":"1.0","type":"link"}