Wine Advocate 100 points - The 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select is impressive. More muscular and flamboyant than the structured and restrained 2001, it boasts an explosive nose of creme de cassis intermixed with smoke, licorice, camphor, and vanilla. This full-bodied, extravagantly rich, opulent, dense, chewy 2002 possesses low acidity, tremendous concentration, and a fabulous finish. More sumptuous, lush, and voluptuous than the 2001, it will be showy young, but should age for 20-25 or more years.
Steve Tanzer 96 points - In what has proven to be a sometimes difficult year, Shafer shines once again with this spectacular, immensely extracted Cabernet. Underpinned by a wealth of concentrated cassis-like fruit, shot through with rich, loamy spice and awash in altogether extravagant oak, it is a wine that does not speak in hushed tones but comes with plenty of drama. For all of its very considerable weight and undisguised power, it still shows a fine sense of overall balance, and the evident tannins and heat that emerge in its very long finish are beautifully buffered by its deep and wholly compelling fruit.
2002 SHAFER CABERNET SAUVIGNON HILLSIDE SELECT
"The perfect, incredibly flamboyant and aromatic 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select is one of the most profound California Cabernets I have ever tasted. Boasting an inky/purple color as well as an extraordinary perfume of projected aromas of smoke, black currants, flowers, licorice, and subtle oak, it possesses phenomenal intensity, a multilayered mid-palate, and a finish that lasts for over a minute. This is as profound as Stags Leap Cabernet Sauvignon can be, combining extraordinary power, texture, richness, and depth with remarkable complexity, elegance, and seamlessness. Drink this spectacular offering now and over the next 25+ years."
Robert Parker 100
