2011 Shafer Vineyards

2011 Shafer Vineyards

Hillside Select

Cabernet Sauvignon

America / California / Napa Valley  / Stags Leap District

$225
RP 96
V 94
Size:
Quantity:

Availability: 1

2011 Shafer Hillside Select – Stags Leap District Icon

The 2011 Shafer Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon is the flagship bottling from one of Napa Valley’s most revered estates. Produced exclusively from the rugged hillside vineyards of the Stags Leap District, this wine epitomizes the elegance, concentration, and longevity that have defined Shafer’s legacy. Even in the cooler 2011 vintage, Hillside Select displays remarkable depth and balance, proving why it is among Napa’s most collectible California Cult Wines.

Tasting Notes

The 2011 opens with expressive aromas of blackberry, blueberry compote, and lavender, underscored by notes of tobacco, cedarwood, and graphite. On the palate, it delivers ripe black fruit with accents of espresso, licorice, and a touch of smoke. Silky yet firm tannins provide structure, while a long, mineral-driven finish highlights its hillside terroir.

Winemaking & Vineyard Details

Hillside Select is sourced entirely from Shafer’s estate vineyards in the Stags Leap District, planted on steep, rocky soils. The wine is composed of 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, fermented in small lots and aged for 32 months in 100% new French oak barrels. The long élevage and meticulous vineyard work yield a wine with remarkable power and longevity.

Investment & Collectibility

The 2011 Shafer Hillside Select is proof of the estate’s consistency even in challenging vintages. With limited production and critical acclaim, it remains one of the most collectible wines from Napa Valley. Its aging potential and proven track record on the secondary market ensure its continued desirability among collectors. Perfect for your collection.

Vintage Specifics & Accolades

The 2011 vintage in Napa Valley was marked by cooler weather and a later harvest, producing wines with freshness, precision, and moderate alcohol. Shafer’s hillside vineyards delivered concentration and structure, resulting in one of the strongest wines of the vintage.

  • 95 points – Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
  • 94 points – Vinous
  • 93 points – Wine Spectator

Explore Related Collections

RP 96

Robert Parker Wine Advocate

Possibly the Cabernet Sauvignon of the vintage is Shafer’s 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select. Last year I thought it was a strong effort, but it’s even better now that it’s been bottled. With an opaque black/purple color and notes of subtle burning charcoal embers, blueberry, blackberry and graphite, the wine has a certain Bordelais minerality, but then the richness of Napa kicks in. It’s full-bodied (somewhat unusual for a 2011) with lighter tannins, and no doubt the wine will be on a faster evolutionary track than vintages such as 2010, 2012 and 2013. Nevertheless, the Shafers and Elias said this was the toughest vintage they’d ever experienced. To be able to produce a compelling wine like this is a testament to their extraordinary skills and craftsmanship. This wine can be drunk now or cellared for another 15-20 years. Reviewed by Robert M. Parker, Jr., Issue date: December 2014. Drinking window: 2014 - 2034.
V 94

Vinous

The 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select is intensely aromatic and bright. Rose petal, sage, mint and blood orange give the 2011 crazy aromatic presence. Still very fresh and nuanced, the 2011 has aged impeccably and also has the energy to drink well for another decade. The 2011 will always be a lithe, understated Hillside Select, but the pedigree is very much there. The introduction of optical sorting for the first time surely helped. Reviewed by Antonio Galloni, Issue date: October 2021. Drinking window: 2021 - 2031.

Domestic Shipping

We currently ship to all U.S. states where the shipment of alcohol is legally permitted. Orders are fulfilled via UPS.

Orders placed Monday through Thursday before 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time typically ship the same day. Orders placed after 2:00 p.m. on Thursday through Sunday will ship the following Monday.

Same-day delivery may be available within the Los Angeles Metro area if placed before noon. Please contact us at (626) 714-7006 to arrange expedited local service.

Packaging & Warm Weather Shipping

To protect wine quality, all orders are packed in EPS foam shippers with gel packs when necessary. During warmer months, we recommend selecting Next Day Air service. If Ground shipping is selected during high temperatures, a signed waiver may be required to release us from liability due to heat exposure.

For OWC (Original Wooden Case) orders, bottles are removed and shipped in foam for safety. The wooden case ships separately via Ground unless otherwise requested.

Weather Holds & Free Storage

In periods of extreme weather, we reserve the right to delay shipment until safe conditions return. If you request immediate shipment during such periods, you must confirm in writing and acknowledge that you waive any condition guarantees.

We also offer complimentary temperature-controlled storage for up to 6 months from the date of purchase. Select the “Hold for Weather” option at checkout and we will coordinate shipping at a later date.

Insurance

We provide free shipping insurance for loss or visible damage during transit, per carrier terms and conditions.

Adult Signature Required

All shipments of alcohol require an adult signature (21+) upon delivery. Carriers will not release packages without adult authorization. Additional charges may apply for re-delivery, redirection, or failed delivery attempts.

Shipping Address Accuracy

Orders are shipped to the exact shipping address provided at checkout. Angry Wine Merchant is not responsible for errors or omissions in the address submitted by the customer. If a package is delayed, returned, or misdelivered due to incorrect shipping details, the customer assumes full responsibility. Additional shipping fees may apply if re-shipment is required. By placing an order, you confirm that the shipping address entered is correct and agree to these terms.

States We Ship To

We ship to the following U.S. states:

Alabama (AL), Alaska (AK), Arizona (AZ), Arkansas (AR), California (CA), Colorado (CO), Connecticut (CT), Delaware (DE), Florida (FL), Georgia (GA), Hawaii (HI), Idaho (ID), Illinois (IL), Indiana (IN), Iowa (IA), Kansas (KS), Kentucky (KY), Louisiana (LA), Maine (ME), Maryland (MD), Massachusetts (MA), Michigan (MI), Minnesota (MN), Mississippi (MS), Missouri (MO), Montana (MT), Nebraska (NE), Nevada (NV), New Hampshire (NH), New Jersey (NJ), New Mexico (NM), New York (NY), North Carolina (NC), Ohio (OH), Oklahoma (OK), Oregon (OR), Pennsylvania (PA), Rhode Island (RI), South Carolina (SC), South Dakota (SD), Tennessee (TN), Texas (TX), Vermont (VT), Virginia (VA), Washington (WA), West Virginia (WV), Wisconsin (WI), Wyoming (WY)

*******************************

International Shipping

We do offer international shipping where legally allowed. For details, click here or contact us directly.

  • CRITICAL REVIEWS
  • WINEMAKER NOTES
RP 96

Robert Parker Wine Advocate

Possibly the Cabernet Sauvignon of the vintage is Shafer’s 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select. Last year I thought it was a strong effort, but it’s even better now that it’s been bottled. With an opaque black/purple color and notes of subtle burning charcoal embers, blueberry, blackberry and graphite, the wine has a certain Bordelais minerality, but then the richness of Napa kicks in. It’s full-bodied (somewhat unusual for a 2011) with lighter tannins, and no doubt the wine will be on a faster evolutionary track than vintages such as 2010, 2012 and 2013. Nevertheless, the Shafers and Elias said this was the toughest vintage they’d ever experienced. To be able to produce a compelling wine like this is a testament to their extraordinary skills and craftsmanship. This wine can be drunk now or cellared for another 15-20 years. Reviewed by Robert M. Parker, Jr., Issue date: December 2014. Drinking window: 2014 - 2034.
V 94

Vinous

The 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select is intensely aromatic and bright. Rose petal, sage, mint and blood orange give the 2011 crazy aromatic presence. Still very fresh and nuanced, the 2011 has aged impeccably and also has the energy to drink well for another decade. The 2011 will always be a lithe, understated Hillside Select, but the pedigree is very much there. The introduction of optical sorting for the first time surely helped. Reviewed by Antonio Galloni, Issue date: October 2021. Drinking window: 2021 - 2031.

2011 Shafer Hillside Select – Stags Leap District Icon

The 2011 Shafer Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon is the flagship bottling from one of Napa Valley’s most revered estates. Produced exclusively from the rugged hillside vineyards of the Stags Leap District, this wine epitomizes the elegance, concentration, and longevity that have defined Shafer’s legacy. Even in the cooler 2011 vintage, Hillside Select displays remarkable depth and balance, proving why it is among Napa’s most collectible California Cult Wines.

Tasting Notes

The 2011 opens with expressive aromas of blackberry, blueberry compote, and lavender, underscored by notes of tobacco, cedarwood, and graphite. On the palate, it delivers ripe black fruit with accents of espresso, licorice, and a touch of smoke. Silky yet firm tannins provide structure, while a long, mineral-driven finish highlights its hillside terroir.

Winemaking & Vineyard Details

Hillside Select is sourced entirely from Shafer’s estate vineyards in the Stags Leap District, planted on steep, rocky soils. The wine is composed of 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, fermented in small lots and aged for 32 months in 100% new French oak barrels. The long élevage and meticulous vineyard work yield a wine with remarkable power and longevity.

Investment & Collectibility

The 2011 Shafer Hillside Select is proof of the estate’s consistency even in challenging vintages. With limited production and critical acclaim, it remains one of the most collectible wines from Napa Valley. Its aging potential and proven track record on the secondary market ensure its continued desirability among collectors. Perfect for your collection.

Vintage Specifics & Accolades

The 2011 vintage in Napa Valley was marked by cooler weather and a later harvest, producing wines with freshness, precision, and moderate alcohol. Shafer’s hillside vineyards delivered concentration and structure, resulting in one of the strongest wines of the vintage.

  • 95 points – Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
  • 94 points – Vinous
  • 93 points – Wine Spectator

Explore Related Collections

You may also like

Recently viewed