The 1991 Shafer Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select represents the beginning of a new era where sterile filtration was halted, after which the quality of most vintages soared to new heights. They may also have been picking riper fruit, as Napa Valley was in the midst of enjoying some fabulous vintages in what would turn out to be a Golden Era for its wineries. The 1991 is the finest Hillside Select of the early 1990s, although the 1992, 1994, 1995, 1997 and 1998 are close in quality. A stunning nose of licorice, vanillin, unsmoked cigar tobacco, crème de cassis and cedarwood are present in this multilayered, full-bodied, opulent, super-concentrated wine. It still possesses an opaque ruby/purple color to the rim. At age 23, this beauty is just hitting its plateau of full maturity.

Note: This wine will be released in Fall, 1995This knock-out Cabernet Sauvignon boasts a youthful purple color, a sweet, blackcurrant, vanilla, and earthy-scented nose, great ripeness and sweetness of fruit, high flavor extraction, well-integrated acidity and tannin, and a layered, multi-dimensional, complete feel in the mouth with no hard edges or toughness. There is splendid balance and concentration. The 3.63 PH gives the wine a juicy, succulent, up-front feel, and a chewy, expansive, layered texture. This wine requires 4-5 years of cellaring, with the potential of 30+ years of aging. A terrific 1991!

I found Shafer's 1991 Cabernet Sauvignon Stag's Leap District to be an elegant, polished, richly fruity wine similar to a fine Margaux, with riper fruit and more body and weight. It should drink well for 7-8 years. I tend to develop more appreciation and fondness for Shafer's Cabernet Sauvignons after about ten years of aging. I share this with readers as I have underrated Shafer's wines in the past, and I am not sure I haven't done that once again. Certainly this is a glowing review, but the stylish, understated, elegant, finesse style of Cabernet Sauvignons that emerge from Shafer appear to put on weight and develop more complexity with age. Tel. (707) 944-2877.