Shafer Cabernet Sauvignon One Point Five 2023

96 Jeb Dunnuck Cassis, spring flowers, graphite, and subtle scorched earth notes, as well as some classic Pauillac-like lead pencil notes, all define the 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon One Point Five, a medium to full-bodied, pure, layered, silky barrel sample.

95 Decanter One Point Five is full of tension, offering red and black cherry fruit, dusty minerality, and unsweetened cocoa powder. Full-bodied and driven by fleshy cherry and spiced plum fruit, it’s balanced by velvety tannins that glide toward a fresh, mineral-rich finish.

94 James Suckling Generous and perfumed with aromas of blackberry confit, violets, licorice, cigar box and graphite. The palate is full-bodied with a densely packed mouthfeel and refined, polished tannins. A well-made and classy wine with plenty to offer.

94 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate Shafer's 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon One Point Five might be an even better value than the winery's TD-9, despite coming in at a slightly higher price point. It's matured in new French oak for 18 months and boasts slightly cedary, toasty oak notes that frame the wine's black cherry and cassis fruit. It's full-bodied, big and bold—firmly in the Shafer style, despite the cool vintage. While not a Stags Leap District AVA wine, it offers a glimpse of that region's svelte, silky texture, being plush on the palate, long and elegant on the finish. 

94 Vinous The 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon One Point Five is stellar. Deep, pliant and resonant in the glass, the One Point Five has so much to offer. Dark plum, blackberry, menthol and espresso all build effortlessly in the glass. It’s a gorgeous bridge into the flagship Hillside Select.

93 Wine Spectator This is laden with warmed cassis and plum compote notes that are seamlessly woven with roasted vanilla, tobacco and black licorice. A twinge of walnut husk lends a touch of cut through the rather dense finish. Best from 2027 through 2039.