Cabernet Sauvignon (1983)
SommeliAI Insights
A mature Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon with complex flavors and a smooth finish.
About this wine
The 1983 Shafer Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley offers a harmonious blend of dark fruit flavors, including blackcurrant and plum, complemented by subtle notes of cedar and tobacco. With over four decades of aging, the tannins have softened, resulting in a smooth and well-integrated palate. This vintage marks the inaugural release of Shafer's Hillside Select, a wine that has since become a benchmark for Napa Valley excellence. The 1983 growing season presented challenges, yet the wine showcases the resilience and quality of Shafer's vineyards. A testament to the winery's commitment to producing age-worthy wines, this Cabernet continues to offer depth and complexity.
About the grape
Cabernet Sauvignon, a cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc, originated in France and became Napa Valley's signature grape due to its adaptability to the region's climate and soils. In 1972, John Shafer planted Cabernet Sauvignon vines in Napa's Stags Leap District, recognizing the area's potential for producing high-quality wines. The 1983 vintage marked the debut of Shafer's Hillside Select, sourced from small vineyard blocks like Sunspot and John's Upper Seven, showcasing the unique terroir of the region. This wine exemplifies the successful cultivation of Cabernet Sauvignon in Napa Valley, contributing to the area's reputation for world-class wines.
Quick facts
- 🍇 The 1983 vintage marked the debut of Shafer's renowned Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon, sourced from the estate's steep, rocky vineyards in Napa Valley's Stags Leap District.
- 📚 Shafer Vineyards was founded in 1972 by John Shafer, who transitioned from a 23-year career in publishing to pursue winemaking in Napa Valley.
- 🏆 The inaugural 1978 Shafer Cabernet Sauvignon gained international acclaim by outperforming esteemed French wines like Château Margaux and Château Latour in a blind tasting held in Germany.
- 👨🍷 In 1983, Doug Shafer became the winemaker, and a year later, Elias Fernandez joined as assistant winemaker. Together, they have been instrumental in shaping Shafer's signature style of quality and elegance.
- 🌍 The Stags Leap District, where Shafer Vineyards is located, was the first American Viticultural Area (AVA) designated based on the unique terroir characteristics of its soil, contributing to the distinctive qualities of its Cabernet Sauvignon.
Palate profile
Producer
Shafer Vineyards, located in Napa Valley's Stags Leap District, was established in 1972 when John Shafer transitioned from a publishing career in Chicago to pursue winemaking. The estate has a rich history of grape cultivation dating back to the 1880s. In 1983, John's son, Doug Shafer, joined as winemaker, and Elias Fernandez became assistant winemaker in 1984; both have been instrumental in shaping the winery's reputation for producing high-quality wines. In 2022, the winery was acquired by South Korean conglomerate Shinsegae Property for approximately $250 million, marking a new chapter while maintaining its legacy of excellence.
