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International Wine Cellar
Author: Stephen Tanzer
Issue: Issue 126
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($175) Saturated ruby. Brooding, pure aromas of cassis, dark chocolate, tobacco, smoke and licorice. Conveys a powerful impression of solidity, and yet the very primary flavors of dark berries, bitter chocolate, graphite, tar and minerals are also quite fresh. This unfolds slowly and builds impressively on the back half, finishing quite suave and fresh. The tannins are firm but not stern, and the persistent fruit flavors are red and quite bright. Possesses a superb structure for long aging in bottle. Expect this one to evolve for 15 to 20 years. A great Napa Valley cabernet, but in need of at least a few years of cellaring.
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Wine Advocate
Author: Robert Parker
Issue: 195
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I should not be surprised that the 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select merited a perfect rating since I rated it 99 eight years ago. I also gave the 2002 Hillside Select a perfect rating. Kudos to Doug and John Shafer for creating two perfect wines in back to back vintages. The 2001 is a big wine (14.9% natural alcohol), but the alcohol is buried beneath an avalanche of creme de cassis, wood smoke, toast, licorice and spring flower characteristics. Super full-bodied with fabulous fruit purity, a broad, expansive mouthfeel, lots of glycerin and a huge upside, this 2001 is still an infant at age ten, but it is approachable as well as compelling to smell and taste. It has at least another three decades of aging potential ahead of it and is one of the great young, legendary classics from Napa Valley. It was a privilege to taste. There are approximately 2,000 cases of this cuvee which comes from ShaferâÂ?Â?s hillside vineyards in the Stags Leap area and is aged 32 months in 100% new French oak.
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Wine Spectator
Author: James Laube
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Amazing for its richness, depth and concentration, with a wealth of flavors extending to espresso bean, mocha, dark berry, raspberry and cedar, intense and persistent on the long, detailed finish. An immense wine that's gracefully balanced. 2001 California Cabernet blind retrospective (June 2011). Drink now through 2020. 2,500 cases made.
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