1996 Shafer, Hillside Select, Stags Leap District [Nicked Label], Bottle (750ml)

1996 Shafer - Wine Advocate # 120 - Dec 1998: The immense 1996 Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select, which reveals the most structure and tannin among its siblings, is one of the biggest, brawniest Hillside Selects to date. This 100% Cabernet Sauvignon is extremely full-bodied, with fabulous concentration. Cascades of ripe black fruits roll over the palate, dispensing chewy glycerin, purity, and power. While it may never possess the symmetry of the 1994 and 1995, the 1996 is a fabulous Cabernet Sauvignon. Anticipated maturity: 2004-2030.
Since the 1991 vintage, one of the stars of the Cabernet Sauvignon sweepstakes has been Shafer's Hillside Select. Approximately 2,000-2,200 cases of this 100% Cabernet Sauvignon are produced. The wine is aged in 100% new oak for 30 months. Recent vintages have all been spectacular. In short, attempting to decipher qualitative differences between them is akin to splitting hairs. I just hope that Cabernet lovers have the discretionary income and accessibility to cellar a few bottles.