One of the world’s most extraordinary Cabernet Sauvignons is the 1,800-2,400-case offering of Shafer’s Hillside Select. It was a treat to re-taste the utterly perfect 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select. A dark purple color is accompanied by a gorgeously powerful nose of pure creme de cassis, pain grille, flowers, licorice, and spice box. Full-bodied with multiple dimensions, superb purity, layers of fruit, and a blockbuster finish, it is an amazing offering. This wine should drink well young yet evolve for 2-3 decades. Tel. (707) 944-2877; Fax (707) 944-9454

The 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon displays an attractive, sweet nose of cassis fruit, high class cigar tobacco, loamy soil, and subtle oak followed by an elegant, medium-bodied, long finish. This is a beauty to drink over the next 8-10 years. Shafer Vineyards, one of the most impeccably run wineries in the world, is a wonderful family operation that deserves all the success they have earned.Tel. (707) 944-2877; Fax (707) 944-9454

The impression is of a young, tannicly closed but enormously promising Cabernet. Floods the mouth with dramatic black currant, cherry and chocolate flavors, masses of toasty, caramelized new oak, and a rich, minerally earthiness. For all the power, there’s elegance and refinement. If you must drink it now, decant it; best 2008–2015.——S.H.(9/1/2006)—— 97