The 1992 Shafer Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select is another killer wine boasting a dense purple color as well as a gorgeous bouquet of crème de cassis, creosote, camphor, licorice, blackberries and subtle background oak, and full-bodied, heady flavors. It is clear that after 1991, the Shafers and Elias Fernandez were entering a dramatic new level of quality as the Hillside Select cuvée had become a world-class effort. This beauty is just becoming fully drinkable and should continue to provide immense enjoyment over the next 20 years.

(13.5% alcohol, from a warm year, beginning with this vintage): Good medium red. Fully evolved aromas of plum, spices, leather, herbs and truffley underbrush. Nicely juicy but a bit less pliant than the 1991, even a touch tart. Ultimately a narrower style of Cabernet in spite of the warm vintage. Without quite the sweet core of the 1991, these tannins come off as a bit tough, even dry. I'd drink this nicely concentrated but slightly pinched wine soon.

Firm and concentrated, with a mix of earth- and mineral-scented currant and plum fruit. Flexes some dry, sturdy tannins, too. It may still develop, given its level of concentration.--'92 California Cabernet retrospective. Drink now through 2008. 2,000 cases made.