2008 Shafer Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon Stag's Leap District

(96 points) The 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select is quite structured. Even with its firm tannins, though, the wine shows gorgeous depth and sheer power. The 2008 isn’t a wine with early appeal, but it shows off tons of muscle and sheer depth. Dark fruit, leather, licorice, spices and tar inform the muscular, virile finish. The 2008 will require patience but its explosive personality virtually ensures it will be a rock star in a few years’ time. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2028. Shafer’s iconic Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select gets the lion’s share of the attention here, but the rest of the wines also deserve serious consideration. I have been especially impressed with the Syrah-based Relentless on my last two visits here. Wine Advocate #198 Dec 2011