Shafer's Cabernet is so dominant, it's sometimes forgotten how good their Merlot can be. The wines are dependably dry, rich and balanced, as the excellent '05 demonstrates. It's soft and drinkable now, but rich and sweet in tannins that frame cherry, currant, cola, licorice and vanilla flavors. Will reward cellaring through 2011.

Shafer's Cabernet is so dominant, it's sometimes forgotten how good their Merlot can be. The wines are dependably dry, rich and balanced, as the excellent '05 demonstrates. It's soft and drinkable now, but rich and sweet in tannins that frame cherry, currant, cola, licorice and vanilla flavors. Will reward cellaring through 2011.

Shafer's Cabernet is so dominant, it's sometimes forgotten how good their Merlot can be. The wines are dependably dry, rich and balanced, as the excellent '05 demonstrates. It's soft and drinkable now, but rich and sweet in tannins that frame cherry, currant, cola, licorice and vanilla flavors. Will reward cellaring through 2011.

Shafer's Cabernet is so dominant, it's sometimes forgotten how good their Merlot can be. The wines are dependably dry, rich and balanced, as the excellent '05 demonstrates. It's soft and drinkable now, but rich and sweet in tannins that frame cherry, currant, cola, licorice and vanilla flavors. Will reward cellaring through 2011.