This sophisticated and concentrated wine wraps lovely dark plums, blueberries and cocoa flavors in velvety tannins that are well integrated and soothing, while still setting the wine up for a potentially long life. Subtle baking spices, espresso and cedar accents enhance the impressive fruit flavors.

Elias Fernandez focuses this wine on two estate vineyards, one at the base of the Stags Leap Escarpment, on hills surrounding the winery, plus the Borderline vineyard two miles south. His 2019 has a soil-driven scent, picking up on the rocky, volcanic scree that forms the base of these knolls. Yet, in the best tradition of Shafer cabernet, it follows a clean line, like a well-built rock wall, the wine’s fl avors infused with black-currant ripeness and blueberryskin darkness that keeps smoking up in the fi nish (the wine has consumed a substantial amount of new oak). This has the stamina to last for a decade or two.

Ripe and open, with a friendly gush of raspberry, plum and cherry compote flavors wrapped loosely with a red licorice hint. Shows a savory accent that keeps the finish honest. Drink now through 2029.