1999 Shafer Cabernet Hillside Select
Decanted 3 hours. A nearly black core with a dark cherry red rim. Rich nose of dark fruits, spices, tobacco and flowers. Full bodied palate of blackberries, black cherries, licorice and a backbone of bracing acidity and prominent but polished tannins on the long finish. Just a gorgeous Napa cab, still very youthful but drinking very well and promising more for years to come. Terrific wine!
Lost a good friend today, a 15 year old standard poodle our sons named Magic, so tonight I opened one of my best 1999’s, his birth year. The house seems empty tonight without his observant gaze watching our every move. He was my running partner so I’ll probably miss him most this Friday morning when I head out on one of our familiar routes, by myself, for the first time in 15 years. So here’s to you, buddy. Your family misses you.
So sorry for your loss Tim…only dog lovers can really understand what that feels like…hang in there. And Shafer Hillside is my all time favorite Cal Cab, so great choice to celebrate your time with Magic…
I’m sorry for your loss Tim. Those little critters can really tug at the heartstrings. Your note nicely summarizes what a dog can mean for many of us, and the depth of feeling we have for them. I’ve almost lost my first and oldest on 2 separate occasions, and I was a mess both times. I applaud your introspective choice of beverage. When the day comes for me, I’m quite sure my choice will necessarily veer toward tequila.
The 1999 is the best SHS that I’ve had, though (a) I’ve only had maybe 5 vintages of it and the others were from the 2000s, and (b) I’ve always been a big fan of the 1999 vintage, which I consider the most underrated Napa / Sonoma cab vintage of the last 20 years. I think people mistakenly lump it into this notion that “starting 1997 Napa went over the line.”
Chris,
I enjoyed the 99 very much but I also think it is very different compared to 2000-2004 (I haven’t opened any younger than 04). I thought the 99 very precise and structured while the next 5 vintages are more smooth and rounded. But this opinion is all from memory, not side by side comparison. I think vertical tasting of HS would be very fun and educational. I have 2 bottles of 99 left and probably won’t open another for 5 or more years as I think it will have a very long life ahead.
I agree completely, again from my limited experience. The 1999 HSS (like many 1999s) has structure and balance, while the post 2000s I’ve tried have been more milk chocolately and creamy in style.
Tim sooo sorry for your loss. Only met Magic once. I’m sure you will miss him on your run because I did the same when my running partner of 13 years past. They are so close to us because of that unconditional love they pour all over us. You have wonderful memories
Hope to see u soon
Tim, this is actually a beautiful story. Hard with respect to the loss of your companion, but wonderful that you, your sons and other family members could enjoy Magic for 15 years. I hope that this perspective brings even a tiny bit of comfort to you.
Tim, sorry for your loss. Shafer Hillside Select is my favorite Napa Cabs. I have only had the 2003, 2004 & 2005. I had the 2003 last week and I scored it 95 points. Hopefully I will be able to try the 1999 someday.
