I often think the 2014s in Napa are underrated, and the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon One Point Five certainly doesn't do anything to change that opinion. This is a vintage that excels on its balance and charm, and the wines grow on you with time in the glass. Possessing a touch of the 2012’s sexy, seamless style as well as a kiss of the 2016 with its elegance and finesse, the 2014 offers lots of classic cassis and black raspberry fruits as well as medium to full body, beautifully polished, elegant tannins, remarkable purity of fruit, and a brilliant array of spice, tobacco, flowers, and incense on the nose.

The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon One Point Five offers up scents of lavender, cloves, menthol, licorice, spice and graphite. Savory, delineated and tightly wound, the 2014 is a picture perfect example of the vintage. Winemaker Elias Fernandez adds that the drought was more severe in 2014 than it was in 2013. This is another strong showing from Shafer.

Notes of rich barrel spice, dark fruit and petroleum jelly introduce a ripe, powerful palate with good juicy fruit. But there is an assertive framing of oak tannin which clamps down on the back end, bordering on excess.