At a glance

Producer

Shafer Vineyards

Region

Napa Valley, USA

Grape variety

Cabernet Sauvignon

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$300-$450 per bottle (retail, 2024)

Tasting profile

Ripe dark cherry, cassis, black currant with hints of graphite, cedar, spice, and earth

Evolution: With age, secondary notes of leather, tobacco, forest floor, and dried herbs emerge

At peak: Complex layered bouquet with silky tannins and long, nuanced finish

Structure

Acidity

Balanced, moderate to high, providing freshness

Tannins

Firm, well-structured, silky development with time

Alcohol

14.5% ABV

Aging potential

20+ years under proper cellar conditions

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2028 to 2055

Optimal window

2024 to 2058

Current status

Approaching ideal maturity, drinking well now with continued aging potential

Current condition

Complex rich fruit, firm structured tannins, integrated oak influence

The 2018 vintage in Napa was excellent with near-ideal growing conditions, resulting in fully ripe, concentrated Cabernet Sauvignon grapes with balance in tannin and acidity. Hillside Select is a top-tier, single-vineyard selection with meticulous viticulture and winemaking, conferring length and intensity. These factors enable a prolonged drinking window with peak expression expected roughly 10–15 years post vintage.

Food pairing

Best with rich grilled meats (ribeye, lamb), game (venison), aged cheeses like Gouda/Parmesan, and hearty dishes with umami flavors.

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (1-2 hours) — To soften tannins and allow aromatics to open up fully

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

Implement water conservation, integrated pest management, cover cropping, solar energy use, and waste reduction programs

Shafer Vineyards invests significantly in sustainable farming, including organic practices in the Hillside Select vineyard, and eco-efficient winery operations. Solar panels reduce fossil fuel use. Water recycling and habitat preservation are priorities. While high-end wine production tends to have moderate carbon footprint due to transportation and packaging, Shafer’s local sourcing and efficient practices improve overall sustainability.