Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon - Shafer Vineyards

The Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon from Shafer Vineyards is an absolute, excellent top red wine from California. 

The deep, dark red color resembles that of a shimmering bluish ruby. Stunning, fragrant aromas of blue, red and black fruits (dark cherries, plums, blackberries) combined with licorice and seductive floral notes of rose petals fill the nose. Tones of damp earth, mint and mocha complete the expressive bouquet.

The juicy, silky attack leads to a full-bodied, powerful fruity and intense palate. A striking, lush and pure explosion captivates with dense, charming aromas of deep black cherries, currants, blueberries and mulberries, with an outstanding intensity. A subtle spiciness and subtly integrated oak notes round out the flavor profile.

The mouth-filling complexity and perfection of fruit and spice is framed by ripe, soft-textured and elegant tannins. This red wine departs with a bracing, cool minerality into a long-lasting, intense, layered and smooth finish, showing impressive depth, power and energy. For all its depth and richness, it has an overall light-bodied, subtle and lively feel.

Vinification of the Cabernet Sauvignon Shafer Hillside Select

The grapes for this red wine come from the single vineyard sites Sunspot, John's Folly, Venado Ilegal and Firebreak. The vineyards are characterized by their thin, stony soils and a slope of up to 45 degrees. 
The berries are very small and therefore only a small yield is harvested. On the other hand, each grape is deeply dark and extremely intense. 

After the grapes are carefully harvested by hand, they are taken to the winery where they are strictly selected. The must for this red wine is fermented in stainless steel tanks. Finally, aging takes place in French oak barriques for a total of 32 months. 

Food recommendation for the Shafer Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon

We recommend this excellent red wine from California with grilled or braised duck, lamb, beef or game, dishes with caramelized onions, stewed red peppers, basil, mint or rosemary, and aged, full-flavored cheeses.

Shafer's Hillside Select awards

• Vinous: 97+ points for 2013
• James Suckling: 99 points for 2013
• Robert M. Parker: 98+ points for 2013
• Wine Spectator: 94 points for 2013

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