2010 Shafer Hillside Select Cabernet

Bright, dark ruby to the rim. Very pure if subdued aromas of blackcurrant, black cherry, dark chocolate and minerals; conveys a strong Stags Leap terroir character. Enters the mouth voluptuous, broad and seamless but still youthful, showing a faintly inky reserve to its powerful dark fruit, licorice and mineral flavors. This Napa Valley masterpiece is developing at a snail`s pace. The finish goes on and on, with substantial fine-grained, toothcoating tannins in perfect balance with the wine`s fruit. Wonderfully sweet and voluminous but not excessively so, as there`s so much else going on here. This wine was only a tad more developed than a spectacular sample I tasted as part of a vertical tasting I did at the estate in 2016. A great vintage for Shafer. 97 points