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Phone:
(707) 944-2877
E-mail:
info@shafervineyards.com
URL:
http://www.shafervineyards....

Shafer Vineyards is located in the famed Stags Leap AVA of the Napa Valley. Founder John Shafer was originally in the publishing industry. In 1972, he moved to the Napa Valley and bought 210 acres in Stags Leap. Shafer immediately began the terribly difficult task of reestablishing a dilapidated, 50 year old vineyard.

But with great effort comes success; it is this hillside that gives Shafer the fruit that has defined his Cabs. Many of these vines are on steep, terraced slopes. Because he replanted the entire vineyard with his son Doug, the two have a thorough knowledge of their land.

The Shafer’s produced 1,000 cases of Cab for their first vintage in 1978. In 1981, this wine was released to critical and commercial acclaim. It won first place at the prestigious San Francisco Vintners Club Cabernet Sauvignon taste-off.

Soil and the climate were the keys to this wine’s success. The rocky, fast draining soil causes the vines to produce very intensely flavored berries with multiple levels of complexity. The heat enables the grapes to thoroughly ripen, while the cool, breezy nights retain their acidity.

VISITS ARE BY PRIOR APPOINTMENT ONLY.

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Comments & Reviews

December 13, 2006 | JJ Yarlott

Way over rated. I have had better $10 bottles.

December 14, 2006 | Jeff Williams

jfrosh: Really? point us to them. I could use some $10 hillside select ;)

December 14, 2006 | Ryan Fujiu

Yeah, im definitely interested in any $10 bottle that's on par with the hillside select.

December 15, 2006 | Ben Bicais

I think you're way off base on this one JFrosh. I had the Hillside Select on one occasion a few years ago and it still stands out in my mind as the quintessential Stags Leap Cab.

December 15, 2006 | Jessica Diamond

Shafer Vineyards is on my short list of favorites. Their Hillside select is one of the finest wines i've had. I recieved a bottle for my birthday last year and i have to say im hoping for another this year.

December 15, 2006 | wineguy55

I agree Diamond Girl, I enjoyed a bottle of the Hillside Select for my anniversary last year and was deeply impressed.

December 22, 2006 | Brandon

Thats interesting...

I would consider Shafer Hillside to be one of the "First Growthe" Napa wines, worth paying $200+ for.

December 26, 2006 | win04life

I agree Sommelier, a little steep at 200 for my blood, but if you've got it, the Hillside Select is the way to go.

January 11, 2007 | Brandon

Just had the 02. Reaffirms my original thoughts...

As good as it gets from Napa.

January 11, 2007 | Jessica Diamond

I'm jealous!

October 18, 2007 | winepath

Has anyone tried Shafer's 1.5?
I think it is rteally good.

October 18, 2007 | piroca

yes, winepath and liked it too. doesn't come close to the hillside select though.

January 22, 2008 | Donna Derden

I agree on the 1.5 -we like this wine - we like the consistency of Shafer wines and the Hillside Select is
pretty darn good.

January 25, 2008 | jwrebstock

We have always enjoyed the Cab and now the 1.5 as well as the past Firebreak and continue to love Relentless. I just decided to try the 03 Hillside Select. Is it as good as a Schrader Cab?

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