SHAFER ONE POINT FIVE NAPA CABERNET 2021 750ML

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.

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.

A wonderfully energetic Cabernet with a fragrant nose of dark berry fruit, mocha, and dusty minerals. Full-bodied with a satiny palate of Bing cherry, fleshy plums, and expressive graphite notes. Refined tannins have levity, and a soaring spine of acidity brightens the lengthy mineral finish. Grapes are sourced from the estate Hillside vineyard, their Borderline estate in the south of the Stags Leap District and a neighbouring site, along with grapes from a site in the Vaca Mountain range. Native yeast fermented, aged 20 months in 100% new French oak barrels. Winemaker Elias Fernandez says he tends to blend early. And with 40 harvests under his belt, he has a pretty good idea of what his blends will look like.

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. Try after 2026.

The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon One Point Five is fabulous. Ample and resonant, the 2021 is captivating right out of the gate. Dark cherry, plum, gravel, incense, licorice and dark spice all meld together. The One Point Five is potent and a bit brooding, but it is done in the more restrained style that is the norm here these days.

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. Drink now through 2038. Tasted twice, with consistent notes.

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.