The estate
Located in Napa Valley, in the Stags Leap District, Shafer Vineyards is an estate founded in 1972 by John Shafer and his wife, Bett. A lot of work, especially planting Cabernet Sauvignon vines, has been carried out in the initial 12-hectare vineyard in order to improve the terroir and produce exceptional wines among the finest Californian wines.
The vineyard
Shafer Vineyards currently watches over an 80-hectare vineyard that comprises Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Malbec, Merlot, Syrah and Petite Sirah grapes.
The wine
Shafer Vineyards’ Red Shoulder Ranch Chardonnay 2019 stems from grapes sourced from a vineyard located within the Los Carneros wine area. This terroir is unique in that it has a massal selection of grape clones selected for their low yields and distinctive flavors.
The vintage
Optimal conditions during a particularly sunny summer favored the development of the vineyard. The grapes harvested are bright, aromatic, elegant and exhibit a great purity.
Vinification and aging
Fermentation with wild yeasts for 75% in new French oak barrels and 25% in stainless steel tanks, as for the aging period. No malolactic fermentation in order to preserve a lively natural acidity. The wine is aged for 14 months.
The blend
100% Chardonnay.
The tasting
Nose
The nose combines delicious fragrances of white flowers, lemon zest, honeysuckle, cloves and flint.
Palate
Lively and well-balanced, the palate is seduced by this wine’s mineral and rich aromatic palette that reveals notes of apricot, white melon, grapefruit zest and ripe pineapple.