2023 Shafer 'One Point Five' Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
Shafer's One Point Five Cabernet Sauvignon embodies Napa Valley's timeless elegance. This wine, a tribute to founders John and Doug Shafer's enduring partnership, exudes lush aromas of black cherry, crème de cassis, and fresh black plum, complemented by hints of lavender and savory herbs. With seamlessly integrated tannins, this classic Cabernet promises decades of beauty. Shafer's hillside estate vineyards, along with the "Borderline" vineyard in Stags Leap District and other select Napa Valley sites, contribute to the wine's richness and balance. The 2023 vintage is a beautiful expression of Cabernet with layers of red plum, black cherry, and cassis. Notes of coffee and sage, wrapped in soft, ripe tannins. Delicious!
“Year in year out, [Shafer] is one of the superstar wineries, not only in Napa Valley and all of California, but in the entire world...Today, this is a winery that does everything about as perfect as can be. They have kept their feet, heads and egos grounded, and continue to kick proverbial ass with every vintage.” – Parker In 1972 John Shafer departed his 23 year career in publishing and moved to the Napa Valley to pursue a second career in wine. Fortuitously, he found a 210 acre parcel in the Stags Leap District and set up shop. His first task at hand was that of replanting the vineyards, some of which dated back to the 1920s. The Shafer family crushed their first Cabernet in 1978 and began building their winery the next year. Needless to say, that first release became not only a benchmark but a legend in its own right. Eventually they expanded their beautiful hillside acreage and in 1983, John's son, Doug Shafer, became winemaker after graduating from U.C. Davis with a degree in enology and viticulture. Since then, Doug has stepped up to becoming the company's president and has passed the winemaking reins over to Elias Fernandez. From their somewhat modest beginnings, Shafer has blossomed into a world-class estate that is nationally and internationally renowned.
Jeb Dunnuck
Cassis, spring flowers, graphite, and subtle scorched earth notes, as well as some classic Pauillac-like lead pencil notes, all define the 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon One Point Five, a medium to full-bodied, pure, layered, silky barrel sample.
Decanter
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.
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.James Suckling
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.