Shafer Hillside is a California First Growth.  They produce a lot, every year is amazing quality, and it has a long history.  I often say it is the Chateau Lafite Rothschild of Napa.  It is expensive but for the consistency and quality, it is fairly priced.  Inky purple in color, ruby at the rim, opaque and bright.  The expressive nose has cassis, cedar, vanilla, blueberries, and graphite.  Full bodied.   Great texture.  Firm tannins.  On the palate, this is concentrated.  Great energy.  Complex and depth.  Flavors of cassis, blueberries and slight vanilla.  Long finish.  This is still young and will improve over the next ten years.  It should drink well for the next thirty years.  2010 was difficult vintage in Napa, yet this wine still merits 100 points today!

Grade: 
A+
Score: 
100
Vintage: 
2010
Current Price: 
$360.00USD