2001 Shafer Firebreak - USA, California, Napa Valley (7/27/2006)
WIML88,WA89,WS85

Tasted July 27, 2006 at an offline. Opened and served immediately in a Spiegelau Authentis Magnum glass. Attractive garnet color in the glass with a pretty hue throughout. Nose of black cherries, white pepper, maybe some blackberries, also possibly some anise. Much later on I revisited and also picked up a strong burnt sugar smell. Flavors of black cherries, red licorice and pepper. Later I thought I picked up a little mocha. Much later the wine came across as “weaker” than it had earlier on. Overall fairly bold acidity with firm tannins. Medium to full bodied. This wine seems to be a bit of an enigma to me right now. I’m not sure if it should be opened and splash decanted and gobbled right down right now or if maybe it should be decanted for an hour and go from there. Ratings wise we’re going to call it an 88 for the moment. No value recommendation. NOTE: I have one bottle of this wine left in my cellar which is scheduled to be tasted this year. I look forward to tasting this by itself at some point with no other wines to distract me. (88 pts.)