Gorgeous wine that needs a bit of cellar time. This is a blend of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Malbec and 5% Petit Verdot. Inly purple in color, magenta at the rim, clear and bright. The nose is tight but with air opens to cassis, chocolate, cedar and a scent best described as sauteed onions (unusual but very nice). Firm tannins. Full bodied. Good acidity. On the palate cassis, chocolate, char and a slight chalky note. Great almost seamless texture. A bit of tart raspberries make a delightful finish. This needs a few more years in the cellar or a long decant and the score will undou
Shafer Hillside is a First Growth of American wines. It has a long track record and always outstanding. And, made in quantities that the average wine lover can find. Inky purple in color, opaque and bright. The nose has cassis, graphite, spice, leather and chocolate. Full bodied. Firm tannins. Great, rich texture. This is still drinking young but also it is delicious. Flavors of cassis, blueberries, and slight chocolate with underlying spice and tea leaves. Long finish. This will improve with more cellar time. Either way, it should drink well for another twenty years. This woul
This is a blend of 81% Zinfandel, 10% Petite Sirah, and 9% Carignane. A middle of the road style of Napa Zinfandel. Deep ruby in color, mostly opaque and bright. The nose has black cherries, slight raspberries, bramble, gravel and spice. Medium bodied. Light tannins. On the palate, this drinks easy. Some depth. Flavors of black cherries, cherries, slight cranberries and spice. Good acidity. Nice finish. This is nice on its own and will work well with foods off the grill. Drink over the next five years.