TN: 2008 Shafer Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select

John_Glas · October 11, 2019, 2:36am

2008 Shafer Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select - USA, California, Napa Valley, Stags Leap District (10/10/2019)
This is drinking really well right now. Pop and pour. Cassis, mild oak, spice, blueberries and black licorice. Balanced wine. Long finish. This wine is in an excellent place right now. 95 points (95 pts.)

ncostanzo1 · October 18, 2019, 4:48am

Thanks for the note, we have two bottles of this in the cellar and was thinking it’s time to open one for my wife’s birthday coming up soon. Have no experience with the wines but know the Shafer HSS pedigree is pretty solid.

John_Glas · October 18, 2019, 9:40pm

I find Shafer Hillside drink better on the younger side (give take 10 years) then most age worthy wines. This is in its sweet spot.

K_F_o_l_e_y · October 25, 2019, 2:09pm

We had 11 vintages back to 1991 a couple of days ago. The 2008 was really nice, although it was paired against the 2002 and 2007, which are blockbusters (02 was my WOTN).

Brian_Gilp · October 25, 2019, 3:04pm

Was the 1994 one of them and if so thoughts? For reasons that make no sense, I still have some that I just never open. I guess I am looking for that push.

K_F_o_l_e_y · October 25, 2019, 4:27pm

No, we didn’t have the '94. 1991, '92, '96, 98, '99, '02, '07, '08, '09, '10, '12. '96 was corked and '92 was a bit odd. All the rest were great. 2010 was another fav.

Thomas_Concilio · October 26, 2019, 2:53pm

That sounds like fun. I was involved in a similar tasting back many years ago. Probably need to get another one set up.

Austin_Fulk · October 27, 2019, 2:58pm

Thanks for the note. I’ve got a 6-pack on the way that I got a great deal on at auction, and it’s good to get a reference point.

John_Glas · October 30, 2019, 3:36am

[quoteThanks for the note. I’ve got a 6-pack on the way that I got a great deal on at auction, and it’s good to get a reference point.][/quote] Under $200 bottle???