Shafer - Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon Stags Leap District 2014
Price: $299.89
| Producer | Shafer |
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| Country | United States |
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| Region | California |
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| Subregion | Stags Leap District |
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| Varietal | Cabernet Sauvignon |
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| Vintage | 2014 |
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| Sku | 18622 |
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Wine Advocate: 98 Points
Very deep inky-purple colored, the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select is incredibly intense and impactful on the nose, revealing notes of crushed black cherries, blackberries and fresh black currants with underlying notions of charcoal, sautéed herbs, black soil, chargrilled meat and pencil lead, plus a waft of violets. Very full-bodied, very rich and wonderfully concentrated, the wall of fruit is well matched by a firm structure of ripe, grainy tannins and plenty of freshness, finishing with great length and depth.
Rating: 98+
Jeb Dunnuck: 97 Points
Lastly, the flagship 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon (the only vintage where it wasn’t 100% was in 1984, when it included 9% Cabernet Franc) brought up all in high-class French oak. A textbook example of the balanced nature of the 2014 vintage, it offers a complex bouquet of crème de cassis, lead pencil shavings, tobacco leaf, and subtle minerality. Finesse-driven yet powerful on the palate, with full-bodied richness, its tannin structure is perfectly integrated into the wine, it has notable purity and freshness, and a great finish. It’s relatively approachable by this cuvée’s standard but has another 20-30 years of longevity ahead of it.
James Suckling: 97 Points
A fascinating nose of licorice, tarte tartin, blackcurrant compote, orange rind, ivy, holly, pine needles, ash, Christmas cake and even raspberry cheesecake as well as a slight minty/herbal note. The palate is so well-knit but powerful; it's the sort of wine that takes no prisoners. Yet the vintage shines through, and it remains always fresh and balanced. Layers upon layers of fruit and a long, decadent finish.
Wine Enthusiast: 97 Points
The famous wine lives up to its mighty reputation in this vintage. Densely packed in tones of red currant, cassis and cocoa powder, the palate offers a sublime texture that lingers despite an overall powerful punch of structure and tannin. Elements of crushed rock and black licorice unfold on the finish. Enjoy from 2024–2034.
Cellar Selection
Tasting Panel: 96 Points
The lush berry nose precedes a velvety and rich palate of ripe plum, vanilla, toast, and tangy acidity. A masterpiece of restraint and generosity, this makes an impression that lingers beyond its lasting favors.
Wine & Spirits: 94 Points
