2012 Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon
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Tasting notes
The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select is in such a great spot now. Sweet, plaint and expressive, the 2012 is a superb example of the vintage. Succulent red cherry, plum, kirsch and mint flesh out nicely. Medium in body, the 2012 is not as explosive as some of the surrounding vintages, but it is a total charmer. In that sense if captures the best the vintage has to offer. The first signs of pipe tobacco, spice and cedar are starting to develop, but the 2012 remains young, vibrant and full of life.
Critic scores
Average Score
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Robert Parker, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
Deep ruby that somehow leans towards purple more than garnet despite a decade of age! The tertiary aromas are there on the nose: dried blackcurrant, blackcurrant leaf and leather. Tannins are fine and mellowed and the acid is balanced but doesn't go the distance on the finish. I'd recommend drinking this, it's still in its drinking window but on the way out. (SCJ)
This is very old-school and port-like on the palate with masses of blackcurrant and blackberry aromas and flavors. Chocolate and cedar, too. Full body. Bold and advanced. Drink up.
The highly sought-after, perennially beautiful and brawny Hillside Select is 100% estate grown and 100% varietal. It wows after three years in barrel, painting a lush picture of tobacco, tea and firm, integrated tannin dusted in smoky clove scents. Intensely peppery, its youthful blackberry and cherry flavors shine through but will benefit from even more time in bottle, through 2032. — Virginie Boone
About the producer
The site of Shafer has been around since 1880, and grapes continued to be grown here, even during prohibition. It is said that some wine was made here during that time. In 1972, John Shafer bought the property in the Stag’s Leap district, he immediately began planting the Cabernet on the hillside.