At the top of this estate's qualitative hierarchy are their Cabernet Sauvignons. The 1993 Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select is an outstanding wine that is close in quality to the 1992 and 1991. The 1993 boasts an opaque purple color, as well as a sweet, smoky nose of licorice, blackcurrants, minerals, and vanillin. Huge, rich, and full-bodied, with fabulous concentration and extract, but harder tannin than the 1992 or 1994, this is a large-scaled, well-balanced, powerful Cabernet Sauvignon to drink between 2000-2020. Readers may remember my previous lavish reviews of the Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignons. These wines have always been high class, but the quality level since 1991 has pushed Shafer's Hillside Select into an elite grouping of two dozen or so California Cabernet producers. There are 2,000-2,400 cases made of these rich, ageworthy Cabernets.Another of Napa's finest wineries, Shafer has taken full advantage of a succession of superlative vintages during the nineties, producing a powerful portfolio of brilliant wines. Since 1991, just about everything emerging from Shafer Vineyards has been high on buyers' lists. All things considered, Doug and John Shafer are at the top of their game.Tel. (707) 944-2877; Fax (707) 944-9454

The deep purple-colored 1993 Shafer Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select is somewhat disjointed on the palate. Although there are some attractive blue and black fruits in the nose, along with some new oak in the background, the bouquet reveals a lack of focus. This tough vintage has turned out an outstanding Hillside Select, but it is not one of the superstars of 1993. Medium-bodied and intact aromatically and flavor-wise, there is an overall sense that something is missing.

This winery has been on a hot streak, and the 1993 Cabernet Sauvignon Stag's Leap District is another fine example of Shafer's winemaking skill. The color is a healthy dark ruby/purple. The nose offers up cedar, spice, blackcurrant, and vanillin scents. The wine is still young, structured, and backward, as well as sweet, round, and pure. Accessible now, this wine should continue to evolve and drink well for 7-10 years.Tel. (707) 944-2877