Shafer Vineyards : TD-9 2016

An "Advanturous" Napa Blend with Ripe, Rich Tannins

Shafer Vineyards was born in 1973, when the Shafer family first purchased a 209-acre property in Napa Valley, including 30 acres of vineyards. Shortly after, John Shafer planted Cabernet Sauvignon, creating his first vineyard blocks on a hilly terroir. The estate's proprietary blend TD-9 was first released in 2017. Its name echoes the adventurous spirit of John Shafer, who decided to take a risk by leaving a stable job in corporate America to learn how to drive a TD-9 tractor in the hills of Napa. The fruit is harvested in the Stags Leap District of Yountville and a vineyard in the foothills of the Vaca Mountains, south of the Stags Leap District. The 2016 vintage at Shafer Vineyards was characterized by a rainy winter and spring, leading to a long, warm growing season. This resulted in radiant, flavorful clusters with persistent, powerful aromas. The blend contains 58% Merlot, 26% Cabernet Sauvignon and 16% Malbec, and is matured for 20 months in 60-gallon French oak barrels, of which 100% is new.

The TD-9 Napa Valley 2016 from Shafer Vineyards displays a gorgeous, deep purple-black color in the glass. A fragrant bouquet wraps the nose in aromas of warm plums, black cherries, red licorice and baking spices. On the palate, this Napa Valley red blend reveals a full body, along with ripe, rich tannins, which underline the pedigree of this fantastic vintage. Layers of ripe red cherry, plum, lavender and rose flavors lead to a spicy, intriguing and polished finish which lingers pleasantly.