Estimate
...deep, racy and layered from the very first taste. A large-scaled, sumptuous wine, the 2009 impresses for its exceptional balance and pure pedigree. There is plenty of flesh here, but also more than enough tannin...
This is clearly one of the greatest Shafer Hillside Selects ever. It shows incredibly concentrated blackberry, dark chocolate and ripe cassis flavors, wrapped into impeccably rich tannins...
A monumental effort, offering a striking crescendo of dense, rich flavors, beginning with pure dark berry, mocha, tobacco leaf, cigar box, dried herb and crushed rock notes.
Deep saturated ruby. Utterly primary aromas of crushed black fruits; still grapey. Fat, sweet and large-scaled, with superb depth to its black fruit flavors. Finishes with substantial tannic clout and superb length... 5/2011