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International Wine Cellar
Author: Stephen Tanzer
Issue: Issue 108
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Good saturated ruby-red. Superripe aromas of currant, tobacco, coffee, chocolate and maple syrup. Sweet, lush and suave, with a floral aspect; showing the vibrant, juicy quality of the vintage's better examples. Really spreads out to coat the palate. Finishes with big, sweet, broad tannins and a mineral note.
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Jancis Robinson
Author: Jancis Robinson
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Shafer's flagship wine is still a baby. The nose is extremely ripe with suggestions of prunes in armagnac. The whole is very robust and the tannins crowd in on the back palate at this stage. Lots of terroir influence and not too much pandering to current winemaking fashion for smoothing out every wrinkle - so much the better. This is a BIG wine but it's well made and should turn into a lovely adolescent.
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Wine Advocate
Author: Robert Parker
Issue: 150
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The 1999 Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select is one of the finest wines of the vintage. The 14.9% alcohol is barely noticeable given the amazing concentration and intensity. A saturated opaque purple color is followed by scents of vanilla, blackberry liqueur, crushed minerals, and a hint of white flowers. There is stunning intensity, tremendous purity, full body, and a remarkable, seamless finish (amazing given the elevated, austere tannin). Give the 1999 another 2-3 years of cellaring, and enjoy it over the following two decades or longer. A brilliant effort!
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Wine Spectator
Author: James Laube
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A monumental wine, bold, rich, smooth and concentrated, with layers of ripe black cherry, currant, plum, anise and blackberry. A mix of ultraripe fruit with a measure of elegance and finesse, its tannins are supple and seamless. 2,200 cases made.
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