Shafer Vineyards :: Trade & Distributors

Robert M. Parker reviews a complete vertical of Hillside Select

After tasting through a complete vertical of Hillside Select (1983 - 2013), Robert M. Parker, Jr. has published his tasting notes. Click here for a complete version (PDF).

2010 Hillside Select
“… Cassis, blackberry, blueberry, mocha and minerals on the nose, along with a mounting component of sweet oak … finishes with utterly seamless, noble tannins and great resounding length. A great vintage for this perennial star...”
— Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar

2011 Relentless
“This big red brims with dark, rich, chunky blackberry and wild berry fruit … maintaining a fine balance … firm, chewy, peppery tannins.”
— James Laube, Wine Spectator

2012 One Point Five
“ … a glorious bouquet of blue and black fruits, acacia flowers and wild berry fruit … This may turn out to be the finest One Point Five Shafer has yet produced … brilliance is written all over it.”
– Robert M. Parker, Jr., The Wine Advocate

2012 Merlot
“Sleek and supple, this is exactly the style of Merlot that made the wine so popular … ripe flavors of black cherry and toasty oak, with a hint of earth.”
— Tim Fish, Wine Spectator

2013 Red Shoulder Ranch
“… looks like one of their all-time greats, and to date they’ve all been very impressive wines … overall impression is one of brilliant richness subtly touched by smoke, but letting the fruit dominate.”
– Robert M. Parker, Jr., The Wine Advocate