2021 Shafer 'One Point Five' Cabernet Sauvignon Stags Leap District
Shafer's 2021 One Point Five Cabernet Sauvignon embodies Napa Valley's timeless elegance. This wine, a tribute to founders John and Doug Shafer's enduring partnership, exudes lush aromas of black cherry, crème de cassis, and fresh black plum, complemented by hints of lavender and savory herbs. With seamlessly integrated tannins, this classic Cabernet promises decades of beauty. Shafer's hillside estate vineyards, along with the "Borderline" vineyard in Stags Leap District and other select Napa Valley sites, contribute to the wine's richness and balance.
“Year in year out, [Shafer] is one of the superstar wineries, not only in Napa Valley and all of California, but in the entire world...Today, this is a winery that does everything about as perfect as can be. They have kept their feet, heads and egos grounded, and continue to kick proverbial ass with every vintage.” – Parker In 1972 John Shafer departed his 23 year career in publishing and moved to the Napa Valley to pursue a second career in wine. Fortuitously, he found a 210 acre parcel in the Stags Leap District and set up shop. His first task at hand was that of replanting the vineyards, some of which dated back to the 1920s. The Shafer family crushed their first Cabernet in 1978 and began building their winery the next year. Needless to say, that first release became not only a benchmark but a legend in its own right. Eventually they expanded their beautiful hillside acreage and in 1983, John's son, Doug Shafer, became winemaker after graduating from U.C. Davis with a degree in enology and viticulture. Since then, Doug has stepped up to becoming the company's president and has passed the winemaking reins over to Elias Fernandez. From their somewhat modest beginnings, Shafer has blossomed into a world-class estate that is nationally and internationally renowned.
Wine Advocate
An excellent wine, still arguably a decent value in the context of Napa Valley Cab, Shafer's 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon One Point Five features attractive aromas of ripe cherries, cedar and vanilla, plus hints of mocha and loam. Full-bodied, ripe and velvety, it offers more concentration, tannins and length than the winery's TD-9. The question consumers will have to answer is whether it is worth the step up in price.
Wine Spectator
Frankly ripe, with a deep, alluring well of açaí berry, blackberry and boysenberry puree flavors that glide through on the polished structure. Pretty flashes of spices, sweet bay and violet skitter through for contrast. The finish is polished, generous and fruit-filled.
Wine Enthusiast
This sophisticated and concentrated wine wraps lovely dark plums, blueberries and cocoa flavors in velvety tannins that are well integrated and soothing, while still setting the wine up for a potentially long life. Subtle baking spices, espresso and cedar accents enhance the impressive fruit flavors. Best from 2027–2037. Cellar Selection.
Vinous
The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon One Point Five is a very beautiful wine and also the first edition that marks the move towards a more serious Cabernet. Black cherry, plum, gravel, spice, leather and tobacco are nicely pushed forward. The 2021 shows the mid-weight style of the year nicely. The One Point Five is mostly estate fruit, with some outside vineyards, including sources that are now owned by Shafer.
James Suckling
Beautiful black and blue fruit on offer here with notes of violets, sea shell, iodine and graphite. Full-bodied, broad-shouldered and structured with super-fine and dense yet almost weightless tannins that push the depth of the wine, leading to a smooth, caressing finish.
Jeb Dunnuck
More Cabernet-dominated, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon One Point Five checks in as 95% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Petit Verdot, 2% Merlot, and a splash of Malbec. It has incredible purity in its cassis, graphite, lead pencil, and camphor on the nose and a concentrated, medium to full-bodied, layered style on the palate that stays tighter and more compact than the TD-9