Shafer Cabernet Sauvignon One Point Five Stags Leap District 2019

“One Point Five remains one of Napa Valley's little hidden gems; a wine that is seldom talked about in a discussion of the very top bottlings, but a Cabernet that never disappoints.” - Antonio Galloni, Vinous

id John Shafer know, back in 1972, that his cabernet would become one of the most collectible, critically-acclaimed Napa wines ever when he planted his vineyard in Stags Leap? We have a TINY allocation (at nice pricing) of the excellent One Point Five bottling (less than half the price of Hillside, and preeeeetty close in quality!). You’ll WANT this to drink for a few years while your Hillside ages a few more, am I right?

- 83% cabernet sauvignon, 12% merlot, 3% malbec, 2% petit verdot

- Predominantly from two Stags Leap District sites — Shafer’s hillside estate vineyard and the “Borderline” vineyard located about two miles south of the winery

- 20 months in 100% new French oak barrels (Allier & Tronçais)

200% incredibly sexy and powerful and utterly captivating, too! We like winemaker Elias’ words: “2019 One Point Five fills your glass with a generous, opulent Cabernet Sauvignon offering aromas and flavors of bright black cherry, red currant, cranberry, lavender, allspice, and crushed herbs. All this lush, vivid fruit is seamlessly brought together with ripe, cashmere-like tannins that promise years of beauty ahead with careful cellaring.”

Be sure to check out the critic’s notes on this...this is one of those times where their praise seems to go even above and beyond the already fantastic scores! But, fair warning, just a handful of cases...and another fantastic, over-delivering Napa classic from your Napa buds at First Bottle! First come, first served, good people!

PAIRING IDEAS: Go with a killer cheese/meat plate. We recommend Iberico ham – get the best. And the cheese — Comte, if you can find it, is amazing. Or do as the Bordelais do and try a ripe, creamy Brie type that you can eat with a spoon.

MUSIC SUGGESTIONS: We’ve been listening to some old Smithereens - we’d recommend “Only a Memory”, “House We Used To Live In”, and “Sorry” to start!