2005 Cabernet Sauvignon One Point Five
Market price
Buying options
Tasting notes
A big, blockbuster styled effort that's still just about overflowing with blackcurrant fruits, tobacco leaf, licorice, cigar, and graphite, the 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon One Point Five has some still-present vanilla oak, full-bodied richness, a round, concentrated, lush, yet still seamless mouthfeel, and outstanding length. Like all the wines here, it's not tired in the least and has the depth and richness to evolve for another 7-8 years, and most likely longer.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
The sensational 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon One Point Five, which is their Stags Leap blend of 98% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Petit Verdot aged 20 months in 70% new oak barrels, of which half are French and half American. It’s the latter component that surprised me, because whatever American oak they’re using is wonderfully subtle and well-integrated. This wine has an opaque purple color and a beautiful nose of charcoal, graphite, blackberry and an essence of gorgeously pure creme de cassis fruit mixed with spring flowers. With impeccably and flawlessly integrated oak, acidity and tannin, this full-bodied yet elegant and stunning wine is just coming into its plateau of maturity, where it should stay for another 10-15 years. Like the Merlot, this tips the scales at 14.9% alcohol.
Full-bodied, rich and yet keenly balanced, with a refreshing close. Deep plum, cherry and cassis, plus lavender, black olive and oak spice. Tannins are round yet substantial enough for short-term cellaring. (LM) $70
Good deep bright ruby. Complex aromas and flavors of cassis, leather, earth, game, tobacco and sexy smoky oak, with a minty nuance emerging with air. Creamy-sweet and expansive in the mouth, with an almost exotic character to the intense fruit. As lush as this is, though, it maintains firm shape. Finishes with substantial broad, dusty tannins and impressive lingering sweetness.
About the producer
The site of Shafer has been around since 1880, and grapes continued to be grown here, even during prohibition. It is said that some wine was made here during that time. In 1972, John Shafer bought the property in the Stag’s Leap district, he immediately began planting the Cabernet on the hillside.