Decision ... any strong opinions?

[Roy Hersh]

Dilemma: I am trying to choose between a 1999 and 2004 Shafer Hillside Select to open for tonight's red. Any strong recommendations either way?

[Roy Hersh]

I should've posted this early. I have about 35 more minutes before I must do the decant. Heading out to take my wife for a birthday dinner later this evening, dropping our daughter off with grandma. There's an amazing, fairly new French restaurant which is taking Seattle by storm that we are going to check out for the first time.

[Bradley Bogdan]

From texting a friend who drinks a lot of Shafer, he recommends the '99 as he feels it'll show better more quickly at this point. Have a wonderful night!


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[Roy Hersh]

You da man. Thank you so much Bradley!

[Tom D.]

Roy, sorry I missed this thread until now...my experience with the 99 is that it can be an alcohol bomb. Hopefully you got that bad boy in the decanter in time to settle it down a bit. But then, I have been told I have a little girl palate, so you may find the profile less harsh than I have

[Roy Hersh]

The 1999 was even better than I had imagined. I decanted it for one hour at home and another while in the restaurant. It was sublime, big and beautiful blue/purple wildberry brambly fruit and herbs. Shockingly soft and silky in the mouth, really an elegant and youthful wine with no sharp edges and loads of glycerin. The finish was absolutely incredible ... this paired perfectly w/ rib eye and a huge double portion of seared foie gras. If I was to give this one a score it would be in the 96+ point range.

[Bradley Bogdan]

Great to hear, sounds like things were delicious across the board!


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[Roy Hersh]

The 2002 Boilot was the perfect foil for the first couple of courses, the SHS carried the day. Once safely back at home, it was all about that bass. A nice 1980 Tuke Holdsworth did the trick. Thanks again, Brad!