Shafer Vineyards : Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

Tasting characteristics and advice for the Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 from Shafer Vineyards

Tasting

Color

A deep purple hue defines this wine, reflecting its concentration and exceptional quality.

Nose

The bouquet is fragrant and vibrant, expressing aromas of blue fruits, graphite, spring flowers and pencil lead. Notes of crème de cassis and black raspberries are joined by a remarkable minerality, the hallmark of the Stags Leap District terroir. With aeration, the nose evolves toward nuances of toasted almonds and apricot crumble.

Palate

On the palate, this wine stands out for its full-bodied richness and sensational concentration of flavor. The acidity, tannins and alcohol are perfectly integrated, creating a deep, layered texture with no harshness. The palate reveals juicy layers of summer fruit, berry compote, cinnamon, bright red and black plums, as well as mocha. Velvety tannins and a firm structure support a long, refined finish, lifted by an enticing herbal touch.

Food and wine pairings

This Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 pairs beautifully with grilled or roasted red meats, especially fatty cuts such as ribeye or strip steak served rare to medium-rare. It also goes wonderfully with herb-roasted lamb, game such as venison loin, and aged hard cheeses like mature cheddar or Gouda. For a vegetarian option, choose rich dishes such as eggplant Parmesan or a mushroom risotto.

Serving and cellaring

The Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 is best enjoyed at a temperature between 16 and 18°C. Decanting beforehand is recommended to allow the wine to fully open and reveal all its complexity. While this wine offers immediate pleasure, it will benefit from an additional 4 to 5 years in the cellar and can continue to improve until around 2058, if not beyond.

The structure and balance of a Stags Leap District cabernet sauvignon

The estate

Founded in 1972 by John Shafer, a former publishing executive in Chicago, Shafer Vineyards has established itself as one of the most respected Californian estates. Located in the prestigious Stags Leap District, the estate now spans approximately 250 acres of vines across six properties. Since 1994, Doug Shafer has served as president, while Elias Fernandez, who joined in 1984, has led the winemaking with internationally recognized talent. In February 2022, the estate was acquired by Shinsegae Property, a South Korean luxury group, while retaining its team and philosophy. A pioneer in sustainable viticulture, Shafer Vineyards stands out for its early environmental commitment, notably through the adoption of solar power as early as 2004 and regenerative practices in the vineyards.

The vineyard

The Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 comes exclusively from the estate’s hillside plots located in the Stags Leap District, an American Viticultural Area recognized for its volcanic and sedimentary soils. The grapes come from specific blocks named Sunspot, John's Upper Seven, Venado Ilegal and Firebreak. These vines benefit from an exceptional terroir characterized by volcanic gravel soils and fractured schist on the eastern slopes, along with clay and silt deposits in the lower areas. The district’s climate is distinguished by a pronounced diurnal temperature range: the rocky walls of the Palisades store daytime heat, while cool breezes from San Pablo Bay bring beneficial nighttime freshness. This alternation allows for slow, elegant ripening of cabernet sauvignon, the emblematic grape variety representing around 90% of the district’s plantings.

The vintage

The year 2018 offered exceptional growing conditions, in contrast to the hotter vintages that preceded it. After a cool spring, the summer was moderate, with foggy mornings and sunny afternoons, accompanied by refreshing breezes and cool nights. Veraison occurred late, well after early August, and ripening continued at a steady pace until early November. This extended growing season allowed the grapes to reach optimal maturity while preserving freshness and balance. The vintage was also marked by yields 20 to 30% above average, requiring rigorous crop-load management to ensure full ripeness.

Winemaking and aging

After vinification, the wine undergoes extended aging for 32 months in 100% new French oak barrels sourced from the Allier and Tronçais forests. This maturation in 60-gallon barrels allows the wine to develop complexity and integration while gaining subtle oak nuances that enhance the fruit’s expression without dominating it.

Grape variety

100% cabernet sauvignon