Shafer Vineyards : Red Shoulder Ranch Chardonnay 2019

A mineral and rich Californian white wine by Shafer Vineyards

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.