SHAFER VINEYARDS
NAPA VALLEY, CALIFORNIA 2023
WHY BUY: The estate Robert Parker once called "one of the world's greatest wineries" is in the midst of a quiet reinvention, producing wines more vibrant and energetic than ever: witness the 99-point Hillside Select 2023, which Jeb Dunnuck noted will “check in with the top wines in the vintage”, and which we’re thrilled to bring you early access to. We’re pairing it with something new from Shafer: the inaugural release of Amphitheater, which brings serious definition and depth from its origins in Atlas Peak and Stag’s Leap District—and, remarkably, checks in under $100.
OUR TASTING NOTES: Pour the Hillside Select 2023, and you immediately know you're dealing with a statement wine. On the nose, the blackcurrant and graphite hit you like a one-two punch, followed by a gorgeous run of cedar and tobacco leaf. The tannins are firm but polished: you won’t find any rough edges here, and the palate builds slowly and steadily, revealing spice, leather, and incense. The Amphitheatre 2023 brings in a different but equally striking profile. On the palate, it's beautifully structured and balanced, with black plum and red summer berries accented by rose petal, mocha, cinnamon, and savory herb.
THE STORY: The Hillside Select comes from their Hillside Vineyard, a 54-acre south-facing, amphitheater-like vineyard of thin, rocky, volcanic soils in the famed Stags Leap District. Shafer has been crafting it since 1978. These soils could hardly be more ideal for producing world-class grapes. What makes this release particularly exciting for us, and for you, too, we hope, is that it's typically offered once a year only to members of their Hillside Select Allocation List; we’re proud to have secured it for our own members.
Amphitheater draws from two of Shafer’s most distinctive sites. Stags Leap District lends richness and refinement, while Atlas Peak contributes intensity, tension, and mineral-driven structure from its rugged elevation. Together, they form a complete expression of the estate.
At the center is Elias Fernandez, whose four decades at Shafer have established a rare continuity of style. His approach is exacting and restrained, allowing each vineyard to define its role while shaping a wine of balance and intent.
OUR GUARANTEE: As always, we only buy and source directly from the estate, so you can be confident that your wine will arrive in your hands with pristine provenance. Order yours today!
*Offer NOT valid in-store. This offer is made pre-arrival, with wines estimated to be delivered to your preferred store in Fall 2026. With the supply chain issues that we are seeing globally, there may be some unforeseen delays which could affect the ETA. All sale prices are the lowest available at Total Wine & More and ONLY valid through Concierge Sales. No further discounts or coupons may be applied. Offer not valid in KS, MI, NY, OK & TN. This offer will expire on Monday, July 6th, 2026.