Shafer Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon Stag's Leap District 2019 750ml

Shafer Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon represents the absolute pinnacle of Stag's Leap District expression, showcasing the legendary vineyard's exceptional terroir through meticulous farming and world-class winemaking. This flagship wine embodies decades of dedication to perfection, offering collectors one of California's most prestigious and consistently outstanding Cabernet Sauvignons.

The wine opens with an immediately captivating bouquet that reveals its extraordinary pedigree. Intense aromas of blackcurrant and dark cherry are complemented by notes of cedar, graphite, and violet, while subtle oak integration adds layers of vanilla, coffee, and warm spices. The Stag's Leap District's famous rocky soils contribute a distinctive mineral complexity that adds elegance and depth to the wine's impressive aromatic profile.

On the palate, this Cabernet Sauvignon demonstrates exceptional power and refinement. The wine presents concentrated flavors of dark fruits, particularly cassis and blackberry, supported by firm yet silky tannins that provide excellent aging potential. What sets this expression apart is its remarkable balance between intensity and elegance – the wine possesses both mountain concentration and sophisticated structure, with a texture that's both powerful and graceful.

The Hillside Select vineyard's unique terroir contributes extraordinary characteristics that make this wine truly exceptional. Located on the steep hillsides of Stag's Leap District, the vineyard benefits from optimal sun exposure and excellent drainage, while the region's distinctive climate creates ideal conditions for producing Cabernet Sauvignon of unparalleled quality and complexity.

This wine pairs beautifully with prime cuts of beef, particularly dry-aged steaks and braised short ribs, as well as rich game dishes and aged hard cheeses. Its exceptional structure and complexity also make it an outstanding candidate for extended cellar aging, where it will continue to develop additional nuances over the next two decades. For serious collectors seeking one of California's most prestigious Cabernet Sauvignons, this Shafer Hillside Select represents the ultimate expression of Stag's Leap District terroir and winemaking excellence.