$48 (have some coming at $43). Deep, deep, cloudy ruby with currant, black cherry, cedar, and mocha notes on the nose, many colored legs. When I first opened this bottle at 5pm I had to go to the airport later so I just poured a couple ounces and sipped while at my desk. When I had finished I kept working and two hours later I could still smell the boquet drifting out of the bone dry glass, I could still taste the wine in my mouth as well, yum!!! Anyway it has big time extraction and is firmly tannic, but still maintains a nice percieved sweetness due to its abundance of red and black fruits. This probably ties with the '98 Lokoya Diamond Mountain as my favorite Cali Cab wine, post '97 vintage. Later in the evening, it was drank alongside the '99 Phelps which is delicious, but just can't measure up to the Shafer. They are actually right along the same flavor profile, the Shafer is just more everything. 93 points, will be interesting to see in 5 years how this evolves, 18 bottles says we'll see!

stealth,

I am a huge fan of Shafer, but was not thrilled with the '99 Cab. It was very good, but I preferred the Whitehall at $30+. I bought the Relentless and Merlot by the case but will likely only buy one more bottle of the cab. Maybe I just had a sub-par bottle and will try again to see if I am missing something.

Interesting Meritage, I liked the Whitehall as well, but I don't find them even in the same league. The Shafer is pushing into that extreme extraction, big tannic streak that some people do not go for, and some people pine for, while the Whitehall is a fairly clean traditional quality Napa Cabernet. As has been said a hundred times over, it will be interesting to see how these wines fare over time.

stealth,

it's great that there are all these greay wines that please all of us. i'm going to try another shafer since i love their style. i'll let you know if it becomes a new favorite.

Meritage,
I'll be surprised if you don't change your mind on this wine.

King,

You may be right. I saw your post about Phelps, and I agree that one, Whitehall and St. Clement O are some of the best so far from '99. If you think the Shafer belongs next to them, I need to give it another try.

Stealthman,

I tried this wine at the Shafer winery party early last year. I am a big Shafer fan especially their Merlot but like MERITAGE, I'd go with the Whitehall Lane. The 92 Shafer Cab we tasted at the party was awesome!!!

Maxflite

Hit this baby again last night and the one thing that really stood out for me was this little girl has a beautiful Margaux nose, really remarkable. Should be absolutely delicious in three years.

stealth,

I too had a bottle of the Shafer last night and it made a much better showing this round. Will likely go get a six-pack after last night's experience. Glad you guys talked me into trying another bottle.

Meritage,
Glad you tried this beauty again. My case is sleeping for at least two years. Then one about every six months until the store runs dry.

King,

Have you been to Shafer for a tour and taste? Going in July; Shafer has quickly become one of my favorits with the Merlot and Relentless (Pride is still my #1). Any special tastings available if you know who to ask?

Meritage,
Been several times. Tasting and tour are by appointment only. But the Shafer folks are very cooperative. Just call to set something up. The tour, as tours go, is quite interesting. And the view south down the Valley is spectacular.
If you have any trouble getting set up please let me know. I have a solid contact there.

meritage -

I'll be at Shafer for a tour & tasting on June 12. I'll be sure to post my findings (among all the other stuff from my trip) upon my return.

KoH -

What can I expect from the tasting? I'm assuming the current release cab, merlot, RSR Chardonnay, and perhaps the Firebreak.

STW,

You are right on track with the Shafer tasting
lineup for your June 12 visit. Additionally, they
have had a couple of library releases to sell,
including the 1986 Port and 1991 Firebreak. Don't
know how much is left,tho. Also, the 1999 Port
was just released and is sold only at the winery.
Many folks believe that their Port(made from
HSS grapes), is the best domestic Port made. Be
sure and ask your tour guide(probably Suzy) to
tell you the story how that project came about.

As Briarbend said, you're likely right on with the tasting. Wouldn't expect any hillside though.
The 99 just received a 93 from the Speculator.

KoH -

Laube gave the '99 Hillside Select a 93? Glad to see he's consistent (ly underrating fantastic wines still).

I'm holding a smidgeon of hope that I'll be able to purchase a cellared bottle of Hillside while I'm there.

The '98 Hillside will not be released until this September (per winery three weeks ago). As an aside I opened a '98 Shafer Cabernet last night and was quite impressed with the effort considering the vintage, 90 pointish. Does not have the aromatics or the acidity of the '99, but drinks rather nicely, only had a glass last night, but will give it a good going over tonight.

I finally got my hands on a bottle or two of the '99 Shafer Cabernet.

Last night I cracked one (375ml) and really enjoyed it.

It surprised me with its approachability after only 45 minutes or so of being open. The choco/mocha flavor really sticks in my mind as the focal point in this wine. It's more plush and less tannic that I had imagined.

I dare say this is much more open than '99 Merlot is at the same point...

Worth buying but I question the ~$50 price tag.

Short,

I haven't had the '99 Shafer yet, but based on the ones I remember - Whitehall Lane, Phelps, Gallo & Justin Isosceles come to mind (I think Isosceles is mostly cab) - the '99s are great, great great.

I know I've posted this before to the point of tedium, but I continue to be amazed at how much better wines are these days than just a few years ago.

Derek

I picked up a few more a couple weeks ago and broke one open on Sunday. Tasted over 4 days.
Black. Strong sweet cassis liquer and vanilla/oak nose that at day 4 reminds me distinctly of the '94 Dalla Valle Napa. Absolutely no oxidation. Deeply stained legs, full bodied, mouth coating solid palate. The acidity isn't as noticable now but the tannin still shows, but nicely. Very tastey to drink on it's own, no better with food. Medium finish that really shows the sweet fruits. Really shouldn't touch another one till '04. I'd up this to 94 points.

Man your going to make me want to go out and get some more too! This is some really good stuff.

I am very impressed with this wine. I have had about 6 bottles now and every time I have it I just want to buy more. We have bought 2 cases so far and you guys are making me consider a third. I agree with stealth 93-94 pts imho. I still think the 99 Insignia and 99 Paul Hobbs may be better but they are way more money. All three are great. My word for this wine is "unctuous"!

I had a tasting with the Shafer CS 99, Whitehall Lane CS 99, Pine Ridge SLD CS 99, and the Phelps CS 99. The Shafer and the WHL are drinking best right now. The Shafer is a much bigger wine than the WHL IMO. The Phelps CS 99 didn't have the complexity of the others. The Pine Ridge needs more time. I bought a case of the Shafer 99 $44, and the WHL $30. I bought 4 bottles of the Pine Ridge SLD $49.50 and I skipped the Phelps CS $37.

EDJ

Update on this wine.

Decanted for 1 ½ hours before serving in Spiegelau Bordeaux glasses. Dark, dusty garnet color in the glass. Strong smell of mocha on the nose wrapped with spicy oak. Very strong taste of mocha, chocolate and black berries. A bit of cherry flavor as it opened up into a slightly silky finish. 90 points. Drink 2004 through 2009.

I walked into Costco afew weeks ago, and lo and behold, 1999 Shafer Cab. @ $ 40. Hope there is some more left, after these posts. I'll rush down today and over spend my budget for this month.