Rating: 89/100 - As reviewed by International Wine Cellar in Issue 108, May/June 2003 ($48) Bright ruby-red. Ripe aromas of currant, raspberry, violet, dark chocolate and tobacco leaf. Sweet and supple, with nicely delineated flavors of bitter cherry, currant and mint, with a finishing note of bitter chocolate. Finishes firmly tannic, with mouthwatering acidity. Can't match the estate's Hillside Select cuvee for sheer personality, but a very good effort for the vintage. (The ...

An elegant silky wine with soft tannins and abundant fruit, Shafer Napa Valley Cabernet is approachable when young yet capable of aging gracefully.

Rating: 88/100 - As reviewed by Wine Spectator on 06/15/03

Rating: 93/100 - As reviewed by Wine Enthusiast

Rating for United States-California: 78 (bad year)<br/><br/>Drinkability: quite possibly over the hill<br/>