Wine Advocate 97 points - One of the world’s most extraordinary Cabernet Sauvignons is the 1,800-2,400-case offering of Shafer’s Hillside Select. The most Bordeaux-like Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select in many years is the 2005, which is significantly lower in alcohol, and possesses more acidity as well as wonderful vibrancy. Sweet black cherry fruit intertwined with toasty oak emerge from this lush, ripe red. Befitting the vintage, it is not as weighty, powerful, or New World-ish as wines from riper California vintages tend to be, but represents a lighter-styled yet rich, intense example of this cuvee. (92-95)
2005 SHAFER CABERNET SAUVIGNON HILLSIDE SELECT
"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, full-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 97 points
