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B-21 Top Recommendation
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Easily one of the most revered estates in all of California wine, Shafer is synonymous with Napa Valley, and particularly the striking (and strikingly expensive) Pritchard Hill terroir, which shines brightly once again in this range of show-stopping expressions that speak to the legendary pedigree of the estate and the elite skills of winemaker Elias Fernandez.
Of course, the towering 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select is another tour de force performance for this original California luxury blue chip, with no fewer than four 99-point reviews. "The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select is insanely beautiful," exclaimes Antonio Galloni, "It's also one of the very finest wines I have ever tasted here." Jeb Dunnuck has the "ultra-classic, focused, structured 2021" among the best Hillsides ever, a sure bet for collectors looking to stock their cellars with all-time greats. By all indications, the 2023 Napa vintage is also shaping up to be one for the ages, and the 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon One Point Five is a hit once again, for its ability to translate the heart and soul of this remarkable estate for a fraction of the price of the Hillside. "Deep, pliant and resonant in the glass," the 2023 nails the quintessential character of the 2023 growing season with real style and distinction, resulting in rock-solid press led by a 96-point review from Jeb Dunnuck, who calls it a "classic, serious wine" that even touches on a bit of Pauillac spirit for a sterling, benchmark display of Napa Cabernet brilliance.
The "exceptionally bright" 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon TD-9 nails the quintessential character of the growing season with real style and distinction, resulting in "rock-solid" press led by a pair of 95-point reviews from James Suckling and Jeb Dunnuck. It's becoming increasingly rare to find such benchmark examples Napa Cabernet brilliance at under $60, which makes this a perfect opportunity to savvy buyers to stock up. Finally, fans and collectors of the estate will tell you that the Chardonnay is always one of the best buys in the range. The "standard-bearer" for non-malo Napa Chardonnay according to Wine Advocate, the 2024 Chardonnay Red Shoulder Ranch has already racked up serious press from all corners, topped by 95 points from James Suckling, and Antonio Galloni writes, "The 2024 Chardonnay Red Shoulder Ranch is a very pretty, elegant wine ... All the elements are so well balanced." It's no wonder this exceptional vineyard excelled in 2024 - it's a perfect expression of what the Carneros micro-climate offers in this kind of growing season, and a classic example what this wine offers to Napa Chardonnay fans.
As you can clearly see, Shafer is firing on all cylinders, as always, and these current releases are all must-have trophies and gems that any serious Napa aficionado should be adding to their cellars without hesitation, |
96JD
95D
94V
94JS
94WA
93WS
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A bigger, darker Cabernet Sauvignon in the lineup, the 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon One Point Five offers blackcurrants, smoked tobacco, gravelly earth, and cedar pencil notes that all shine beautifully. It's full-bodied and has a rich, layered, elegant mouthfeel, plenty of tannins, and a great finish. This classic, serious wine from this team deserves 4-5 years of bottle age and will have 25 years or more of longevity. Drink 2029-2049.
96 points, Jeb Dunnuck (Dec 2025)
One Point Five is full of tension, offering red and black cherry fruit, dusty minerality, and unsweetened cocoa powder. Full-bodied and driven by fleshy cherry and spiced plum fruit, it’s balanced by velvety tannins that glide toward a fresh, mineral-rich finish.
95 points, Jonathan Cristaldi, Decanter (Mar 2026)
The 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon One Point Five is stellar. Deep, pliant and resonant in the glass, the One Point Five has so much to offer. Dark plum, blackberry, menthol and espresso all build effortlessly in the glass. It’s a gorgeous bridge into the flagship Hillside Select.
94 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous (Nov 2025)
Generous and perfumed with aromas of blackberry confit, violets, licorice, cigar box and graphite. The palate is full-bodied with a densely packed mouthfeel and refined, polished tannins. A well-made and classy wine with plenty to offer. Drink or hold.
94 points, Ryan Montgomery, James Suckling (Sep 2025)
Shafer's 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon One Point Five might be an even better value than the winery's TD-9, despite coming in at a slightly higher price point. It's matured in new French oak for 18 months and boasts slightly cedary, toasty oak notes that frame the wine's black cherry and cassis fruit. It's full-bodied, big and bold—firmly in the Shafer style, despite the cool vintage. While not a Stags Leap District AVA wine, it offers a glimpse of that region's svelte, silky texture, being plush on the palate, long and elegant on the finish. With 10,000 cases produced, it should be relatively easy to find.
92-94 points, Joe Czerwinski, Wine Advocate (Oct 2025)
This is laden with warmed cassis and plum compote notes that are seamlessly woven with roasted vanilla, tobacco and black licorice. A twinge of walnut husk lends a touch of cut through the rather dense finish.
93 points, James Molesworth, Wine Spectator (Feb 2026)
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