The 2019 Shafer Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select is a remarkable wine that has garnered outstanding reviews from numerous professional critics. This wine, made entirely from Cabernet Sauvignon grapes sourced from hillside vineyards in the Stag's Leap District of Napa Valley, has impressed reviewers with its depth, complexity, and balance.

Decanter's review praises the wine for its "super attractive nose" featuring "mineral-laced blackberry and black cherry fruit, pulverized graphite, sumptuous earth, and wildflowers," all framed by "fragrant cedarwood and a pop of spearmint." They commend its "beautifully textured tannins" and "seamless palate expression," noting that despite its 15.5% alcohol content, the wine remains "perfectly balanced, even cool to the palate." They awarded it an impressive score of 98.

James Suckling also gave the wine a score of 98, highlighting its "beautiful nose of pitted cherries, redcurrants, fresh herbs and violets." He describes it as "full-bodied with fine, structured tannins" and notes its "terrific depth and concentration" that provides a "generous finish." Suckling recommends waiting until after 2024 to enjoy this "superb wine."

Jeb Dunnuck shares similar enthusiasm, calling the 2019 vintage "another magical vintage for this cuvée." He notes its "extraordinary notes of cassis, black raspberries, violets, camphor, and spring flowers" and praises its "seamless, elegant mouthfeel." Dunnuck also awarded it 98 points, emphasizing its potential longevity of 30-40 years.

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate echoes these sentiments, awarding the wine 98+ points. They describe it as "full-bodied, super-ripe, rich, dense, and concentrated," with "intense aromas of pencil shavings, dark loam, cassis, and plum." The review highlights the wine's long, firm finish with a hint of mocha, calling it a "truly impressive California vin de garde."

Vinous describes the wine as "one of the most elegant wines I have tasted at Shafer," noting its "effusive aromatics and silky tannins." The review praises its "crushed red/purplish berry fruit, mint, spice, lavender, and licorice," giving it a score of 98.

Wine Enthusiast also gave the wine a high score of 97, noting its "broad, rich, and mouthfilling" character with "extra-ripe blackberries and blueberries, accents of mint, cedar, and graphite," and a "big structure of polished tannins."

Finally, The Wine Independent awarded the wine 98+ points, praising its "powerful scents of creme de cassis, blackberry pie, and fruitcake," along with "very firm, beautifully ripe tannins" and a "long and layered" finish.

The 2019 Shafer Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select is a highly acclaimed wine, appreciated for its rich complexity, balanced structure, and long aging potential. With multiple reviewers awarding it near-perfect scores, it stands as a testament to the excellence of Shafer Vineyards.