1985 Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon
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Tasting notes
The 1985 Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select was the only wine in the retrospective that was picked at lower brix (23), and it’s clear that it’s not anywhere close to the level of the later vintages, which were harvested much riper. The 1985 is fully mature and a touch tired, with attractive notes of plums, leather, and fig as well as a medium-bodied, supple texture. It’s clearly in the old-wine category but does offer pleasure. It should be a lesson for all those clamoring to the be the first to harvest.
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Robert Parker
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
(13.2% alcohol): Dullish red. Balsamic nose shows distinct maderization. A juicy, slightly tart midweight, with plum and herb flavors energized by firm acidity. Finishes with ripe, nicely integrated tannins. But past its peak.
Too much sterile filtration was clearly an issue with the 1985 Shafer Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select, which did not have the aromatics, textural dimensions or expansiveness of the later (and greater) Shafer Hillside Selects. Nevertheless, this is still an excellent wine with a deep ruby/plum/purple color, tart acids, spice box, tobacco leaf, red and blackcurrant and earthy characteristics. The acids will never subside, and as the baby fat continues to dissipate, this wine will become more and more angular.
Slightly dull-looking. Lots of acidity. Less harsh than the 1982. Dry. Rasping. Attractive, sweet fragrance. Acidity still pronounced. Very good vintage. More new oak. (JR)
About the producer
The site of Shafer has been around since 1880, and grapes continued to be grown here, even during prohibition. It is said that some wine was made here during that time. In 1972, John Shafer bought the property in the Stag’s Leap district, he immediately began planting the Cabernet on the hillside.