Founded in 1979, Shafer is situated in the Stags Leap District of Napa Valley, east of the Silverado Trail and just north of the town of Napa. Although their main focus has always been luxuriant, richly textured Cabernet Sauvignons from their Stags Leap vineyards, father and son John and Doug Shafer also own and farm vineyards throughout Napa Valley and Carneros.
They are passionate exponents of sustainable farming practices in which they eschew all forms of chemical sprays and their vineyards teem with natural predators including bats, owls, and a variety of insects. They are also totally self sufficient in solar-generated power. The resulting raw materials are of the highest quality and provide them with numerous, stylistic options in the winery.
The current releases are some of the best wines ever tasted from this distinguished producer.
We look forward to hearing from you.
2007 Merlot £347.40 per 12 bottles
2007 Merlot £359.70 per 6 magnums
ROBERT PARKER ‘THE WINE ADVOCATE’ 88-90 points
‘Composed of 82% Merlot and 18% Cabernet Sauvignon, the dark ruby/purple-tinged 2007 Merlot reveals soft berry fruit intermixed with leafy, herbal notes, excellent purity, a layered mouthfeel, sweet tannins, lively freshness, and the intense fragrance that this vintage has provided. It should be consumed over the next 10-12 years.’
2005 Hillside Select £701.70 per 6 bottles
2005 Hillside Select £1409.70 per 6 Magnums
ROBERT PARKER ‘THE WINE ADVOCATE’ 97 points
‘The 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select continues to put on weight, and displays a Bordeaux-like personality because of the vintage’s cool growing season. A black purple color, stunningly sweet fruit, and a gorgeous bouquet of underbrush, forest floor, creme de cassis, lead pencil shavings, and toasty barrique are found in this ripe, ful -bodied, deep, stunningly well-balanced, substantial wine with undeniable complexity as well as richness. It is approachable now, but promises to evolve for 25 or more years.’
Robert Parker ‘THE WINE ADVOCATE’ wrote "Celebrating 30 years of consistent quality and both critical and commercial success, this family run winery remains one of the most admirable operations in California. The Shafers have had tremendous success with their Relentless, which was first released in 1999. A blend of 80% Syrah and 20% Petite Sirah that spends 32 months in 100% new French oak, it is a remarkably consistent offering that rarely displays much oak. The Syrah is from Napa’s cool-climate Oak Knoll sector. One of the world’s most prodigious Cabernet Sauvignons is Shafer’s 2,000-case cuvee called Hil side Select. Always 100% Cabernet Sauvignon aged in 100% new French oak for a whopping 32 months, it boasts a gorgeous track record dating back to the early nineties, and just about every recent vintage has flirted with perfection."
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