The 2016 Shafer Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select is a truly exceptional wine, embodying the timeless elegance and finesse of California's prestigious Stag's Leap District. As an iconic Cabernet Sauvignon from Shafer Vineyards, this spectacular vintage is a testament to the winemaker's artistry and the vineyard's bountiful terroir.

This 2016 vintage carries an impressive 15.5% alcohol content, attesting to its robust and solid structure. Its deep, vibrant purple-black hue is a visual feast, setting the stage for an unparalleled sensory experience. Upon uncorking, the wine confidently releases expressive notions of blueberry preserves, Black Forest cake, cassis and cedar chest. Subtle touches of pencil lead, licorice, violets, and sandalwood intermingle, creating a complex, captivating bouquet. An exotic waft of Indian spices adds an unexpected twist, hinting at the wine's multifaceted character.

On the palate, the Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select is both thrilling and perfectly poised. The rich, densely packed, full-bodied profile is a hedonistic delight, anchored by a rock-solid frame of firm, exquisitely ripe tannins. The freshness is remarkable, balancing the opulent fruit flavors and leading to an epically long finish.

The wine's complexity is further revealed through fresh notes of violets, blueberries, cassis, and forest-wood, interspersed with fresh blackcurrant and blueberry flavors. The palate boasts a striking sense of power and purity, with layers of glossy, ripe, fine tannins. The wine's impeccable poise and focus are a testament to its superior quality, promising superb aging potential.

The 2016 Shafer Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select is an extraordinary wine that offers immense pleasure today, yet will undoubtedly reach a prime drinking plateau with another 7-8 years of cellaring. Its potential longevity is impressive, with a promise to keep through 2066. This wine is a triumphant expression of its varietal and its esteemed Napa origin. Bravo indeed!