2016 Shafer Vineyards One Point Five Cabernet Sauvignon

Magnificent inky black in colour with a very deep black dark red hue. Alluring cassis, liquorice and dried clove scents fill the nostrils with notions of black cherries, toasty vanillin cedar, black olive and spicy tobacco also evident. Rich and weighty, the palate is soaked in an opulent mix of cassis, liquorice and black cherry fruits which are underscored by a firm, robust tannin structure that is some what obscured by the sheer weight of lavish fruit. Toasty vanillin cedar, tobacco and spicy black olive elements lie underneath. Superb power and depth with a very long, extravagantly rich yet well framed finish.
Cellar 6-8 years.
Alc. 15.3%

On a cold day in January 1983, Doug Shafer entered the family winery for the first time as winemaker. The future of Shafer Vineyards was an unknown back then. Doug’s father, John Shafer, had produced his first wine, 1978 Cabernet Sauvignon, which been on the market about 18 months. Even though it would go on to win accolades, it took a long time to get our first Cabernet any attention. For the father-and-son team it was the start of a working relationship that has lasted more than 30 years – a partnership embedded in the name One Point Five. John and Doug eventually coined the term “a generation and a half” to differentiate theirs from a traditional second-generation story.

Other Reviews....
Made of 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon One Point Five Stags Leap is very deep purple-black in color and gives up intense Black Forest cake, black berry pie and blackcurrant cordial scents with hints of licorice, eucalyptus, espresso, tar and chargrilled beef. Full-bodied, it packs the black fruit preserves flavors and earthy accents into the palate, with a firm frame and great freshness on the finish.
95 Points
Lisa Perrotti-Brown

Very strong and pure aromas of blackcurrants with violets and lightly herbal notes, leading to a palate that has dark-mineral allure. This delivers attractive, ripe dark berries with a very long, focused and assertive, neatly cut finish. Elegance with power. Drink or hold.
95 Points
Jamessuckling.com

Another gorgeous wine in this range, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon One Point Five is fabulous. Rich, powerful and explosive, the 2016 is endowed with real energy. Lavender, sage, menthol, licorice, spice and crème de cassis are some of the notes that build in this super-expressive, layered Cabernet from Shafer. The One Point Five isn't quite the screaming value it was a few years ago, but it is nevertheless terrific. Drink it over the next handful of years.
93 Points
Vinous

The 100% varietal 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon One Point Five is a head-turner and actually gives the flagship a run for its money. Stunning notes of crème de cassis, blackcurrants, tobacco, and lead pencil as well as subtle oak and violets all flow to a full-bodied 2016 that shows the elegant, purity, and balance that makes the 2016 vintage so spectacular. Aged a full 20 months in new oak, give bottles another 3-4 years and it should still be going strong at age 25. Drink 2023-2048.
95 points
JebDunnuck.com