A wonderfully energetic Cabernet with a fragrant nose of dark berry fruit, mocha, and dusty minerals. Full-bodied with a satiny palate of Bing cherry, fleshy plums, and expressive graphite notes. Refined tannins have levity, and a soaring spine of acidity brightens the lengthy mineral finish. Grapes are sourced from the estate Hillside vineyard, their Borderline estate in the south of the Stags Leap District and a neighbouring site, along with grapes from a site in the Vaca Mountain range. Native yeast fermented, aged 20 months in 100% new French oak barrels. Winemaker Elias Fernandez says he tends to blend early. And with 40 harvests under his belt, he has a pretty good idea of what his blends will look like.

The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon One Point Five is fabulous. Ample and resonant, the 2021 is captivating right out of the gate. Dark cherry, plum, gravel, incense, licorice and dark spice all meld together. The One Point Five is potent and a bit brooding, but it is done in the more restrained style that is the norm here these days.

An excellent wine, still arguably a decent value in the context of Napa Valley Cab, Shafer's 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon One Point Five features attractive aromas of ripe cherries, cedar and vanilla, plus hints of mocha and loam. Full-bodied, ripe and velvety, it offers more concentration, tannins and length than the winery's TD-9. The question consumers will have to answer is whether it is worth the step up in price.