Shafer Vineyards : One Point Five Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

Characteristics and tasting tips for the One Point Five Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 from Shafer Vineyards

Tasting

Color
The color reveals a deep, concentrated purple-red hue.

Nose
The nose opens with intense aromas of black cherry and blackcurrant cream, backed by notes of fresh black plum. Floral touches of lavender and hints of aromatic herbs complete this elegant, complex bouquet.

Palate
On the palate, this wine unveils concentrated flavors of dark plums and blueberries, wrapped in cocoa notes. Velvety, perfectly integrated tannins bring structure and suppleness while promising exceptional aging potential. Subtle hints of baking spices, espresso, and cedar enhance the tasting experience through to a lingering finish.

Food and wine pairings
This One Point Five Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 is an ideal match for grilled red meats, notably a rare steak or a rib steak. It also pairs beautifully with game such as venison, bison burgers, or mushroom-based dishes. Aged cheeses also make an excellent pairing.

Serving and cellaring
The One Point Five Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 can be enjoyed now but will continue to evolve through around 2037. It is recommended to serve it at a temperature between 16 and 18°C.

A renowned Cabernet Sauvignon from the Stags Leap District

The estate
Founded in 1972 by John Shafer, Shafer Vineyards has established itself as one of the pioneering estates in California. Located in the prestigious Stags Leap District, the estate now spans around 225 acres of vineyards across four sites. Since 2022, the property has been owned by the South Korean group Shinsegae Property. Elias Fernandez, winemaker since 1994, continues to uphold the estate’s excellence and quality-driven philosophy alongside Doug Shafer. Shafer Vineyards is recognized worldwide for its outstanding Cabernet Sauvignons and its pioneering commitment to sustainable viticulture.

The vineyard
The One Point Five Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 comes exclusively from two vineyards located in the Stags Leap District: the estate’s historic hillside vineyard and the Borderline vineyard, acquired in 1999. These parcels benefit from volcanic soils and a unique microclimate marked by warm days and cool nights. The hillside vineyard features rocky, shallow soils that encourage the production of small, concentrated berries. The Borderline vineyard, set on flatter ground, was developed with a sophisticated drainage system and low-vigor rootstocks to control natural vigor and produce grapes of comparable quality.

The vintage
The 2021 vintage in Napa Valley was marked by exceptional drought, with winter and spring rainfall totaling less than a third of usual levels. Despite significant water stress, temperatures remained moderate for most of the season, with a few brief spells of intense heat in June and late August. These conditions naturally reduced yields and berry size, concentrating aromatic compounds and tannins. Ripening progressed quickly, evenly, and under control, allowing for harvesting under optimal conditions. This vintage stands out for its purity, structure, and remarkable concentration.

Vinification and aging
The One Point Five Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 was vinified using rigorous methods that prioritize the expression of terroir. After carefully controlled maceration, the wine was aged for 20 months in 100% new French oak barrels, bringing complexity and depth while respecting the integrity of the fruit. This approach results in a structured wine with silky, perfectly integrated tannins.

Grape varieties
Cabernet Sauvignon (94%)
Petit Verdot (3%)
Merlot (2%)
Malbec (1%)