Buying options

Tasting notes

Tasting notes
Score 16.5/20 · Jancis Robinson MW, Feb 2024

Deep purple in colour. Concentrated cassis and raspberry on both the nose and palate. Thick and chewy. Lots of warmth and a wallop of oak spice but with plenty of acidity to balance. A hole-in-one, old-school Napa Cab.

Critic scores

Critic scores
98
98/100

Average Score

98
98/100

Antonio Galloni, Vinous

98
98+/100

Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, The Wine Independent

More reviews and scores

97 points
Wine Enthusiast
Score 97/100 · Wine Enthusiast, Dec 2023

This broad, rich and mouthfilling wine is Shafer's most elite and collectible. Aged for 32 months in all-new French oak barrels, it boasts extra-ripe blackberries and blueberries, accents of mint, cedar and graphite, and a big structure of polished tannins. Tempting to drink soon for its indulgent flavors, the wine should be best from 2027–2037. — Jim Gordon

98+ points
Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, The Wine Independent
Score 98+/100 · Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, The Wine Independent, Mar 2023

The single-varietal 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select is deep garnet-purple in color. It erupts from the glass with powerful scents of creme de cassis, blackberry pie, and fruitcake, leading to suggestions of wild blueberries, chocolate mint, cedar chest, and crushed rocks, with a waft of clove oil. The concentrated, full-bodied palate does not disappoint, featuring very firm, beautifully ripe tannins and a lively line to frame the generous fruit, finishing long and layered.

98 points
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Score 98/100 · Antonio Galloni, Vinous, Oct 2022

The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select is one of the most elegant wines I have tasted at Shafer. Effusive aromatics and silky tannins are immediately captivating. Crushed red/purplish berry fruit, mint, spice, lavender and licorice are all finely knit. We will see, but the 2019 may very well represent a new direction for Hillside Select, one of Napa Valley's most iconic Cabernets.

About the producer

Fall-2025-Wine-Line-Up-nv-scaled
Shafer Vineyards

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.

View Producer

Product details

Why Vinfolio?
Store
Store your collection in our temperature-controlled warehouse to guarantee the provenance of your wines
Deliver
We sell wines to customers and clients in over 60 countries and can organise delivery to almost anywhere on the planet.
Sell
With effortless listing, promotion to our extensive network and valuation advice, there's no easier way to sell wine in your collection
Get the best Vinfolio delivered in your inbox
Subscribe to our emails
Ⓒ 2026 Vinfolio. All rights reserved.