The 2000 Shafer Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select is another beautiful vintage from a challenging year. The brilliant winemaking and great terroir of the Hillside Select overcame the vintage deficiencies. A touch of herbaceousness is a rarity in a Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon, but one can taste it in the 2000. It adds complexity as opposed to any distraction. Somewhat similar in style to the 1993, with a certain austerity, but deep, tarry red and black currant fruit and plush medium to full-bodied texture, this wine seems to have reached full maturity, where is should be drunk up over the next 5-10 years.

The 2000 Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select was performing even better this year than it was last year. While not as weighty and ageworthy as some of the more hallowed vintages, it is a seriously endowed wine. Deep ruby/purple to the rim, with a gorgeous nose of creme de cassis, licorice, graphite, spice, and cedar, it is more forward than most vintages, but full-bodied, concentrated, and beautifully seductive. Drink it over the next 15 or so years. Tel. (707) 944-2877; Fax (707) 944-9454

The excellent, deep ruby/purple-colored 2000 Cabernet Sauvignon caresses the palate with sweet red and black currant fruit intermixed with chocolate, spice, and minerals. Medium to full-bodied, seductive, and a success for the vintage, it will provide immense pleasure over the next 6-7 years. Tel. (707) 944-2877; Fax (707) 944-9454

Extremely well-oaked, with lovely tannins that are soft and gentle, and subtle flavors of blackcurrants and herbs that finish a little thin. It’s a very good wine but certainly not on a par with the magnificent ‘99. Drink now.——S.H.(12/31/2004)—— 89