2018 Shafer Cabernet Sauvignon One Point Five

98% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Malbec. One Point Five takes its name from the term ‘a generation and a half’ coined by John and Doug Shafer to describe their long father-and-son partnership. This family team worked together for decades to manage and grow their Stags Leap District winery. The wine is predominately from two Stags Leap District sites — Shafer’s hillside estate vineyard and the Borderline vineyard about two miles south of the winery. Aged for 20 months in 100% new French oak barrels. Good dry finish after an opulent start. Tea-leaf top notes. Very satisfying, in Napa Cab mode. Pretty long. (JR)

Shafer's Cabernet Sauvignon One Point Five is bright and punchy in 2018, with striking floral accents that give lift. In most vintages, the One Point Five is a bit more exuberant, but what impresses me about the 2018 is its finesse. Silky tannins wrap around a core of red/purplish berry fruit as the wine fleshes out over time. Best of all, the 2018 will drink well right out of the gate.

Composed of 98% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Malbec, the deep garnet-purple colored 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon One Point Five charges out of the gate with notes of crème de cassis, chocolate-covered cherries and blackberry pie plus suggestions of bay leaves, fertile loam and pencil shavings. Medium to full-bodied, the mouth is completely coated with juicy black fruit flavors, supported by plush tannins and fantastic freshness, finishing with an invigorating herbal lift.