Shafer Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 (75cl, 15.5%)

A 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley's Stags Leap District, sourced from Shafer Vineyards' steepest blocks in a natural box canyon. The vineyard's topsoil is virtually non-existent, with roots passing through white volcanic tufa before striking bedrock. The 2021 vintage was aged 28 months in 100% new French oak barrels from the Allier and Tronçais forests, with 2,900 cases produced. The nose offers crème de cassis, black cherry, blackberry, cedar, dried violets, leather, camphor, graphite and star anise. The palate is rich and full-bodied, with black raspberry, huckleberry, blueberry, black truffle, salted dark chocolate, plum preserves, minty herbs and darker chocolate tones, supported by racy acidity. The finish is exceptionally long, with graphite, dark chocolate and cassis, fine-grained tannins and a mineral and violet echo.