Rank #65 - Wine Spectator's Top 100 Wines of 2011
On 68 acres near the northern tip of San Francisco Bay, Shafer harvests fruit for this classic single vineyard wine.
The Red Shoulder Ranch vineyard in the Carneros region offers a long, consistently cool growing season, which is ideal for retaining acidity in Chardonnay fruit. To focus on varietal flavors, Shafer uses only wild yeast for fermentation and does not put the wine through malolactic fermentation.
Winemaker's Comments
“The 2009 offers lush, luxurious aromas and flavors of melon, honeysuckle, apricot, pineapple and flint all held together with bright acidity, good structure and elegant balance"
— Elias Fernandez
“An argument could be made that Shafer is turning out the finest non-malolactic Chardonnay in California.”
— Robert M. Parker Jr., The Wine Advocate
Shafer Vineyards
Shafer Vineyards is a 32,000-case winery in Napa Valley’s Stags Leap District managed by the father and son team of John and Doug Shafer. The Shafers own and farm 200 acres of vineyards, sources for Shafer’s Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, and Syrah.
Ratings & Reviews
96 Points & "Editor's Choice" - Wine Enthusiast Magazine:"Shafer consistently produces one of the biggest, fruitiest Chardonnays in California, and yet the wine remains balanced and interesting. The 2009 Red Shoulder Ranch is gigantic in pineapples, pears, mangoes, tangerines and honey, yet so minerally and crisp that somehow it finishes dry." — S.H. (10/1/2011)
Rank #65 on Top 100 Wines of 2011, 93 Points - Wine Spectator Magazine:"Pure, ripe and richly flavored, with tiers of nectarine, fig, honeysuckle and smoky oak. Full-bodied, with touches of citrus blossom and lemon peel. Drink now through 2017. 6,000 cases made." –JL (Nov 30, 2011)
91 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate:
"The
2009 Chardonnay Red Shoulder Ranch is a gorgeous wine laced with
expressive fruit and an open, radiant personality. Subtle hints of
French oak and flowers are nicely layered into the finish. The 2009 was
aged 75% in French oak and 25% in stainless steel. Anticipated maturity:
2012-2015.
Shafer’s iconic Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select gets the lion’s share
of the attention here, but the rest of the wines also deserve serious
consideration. I have been especially impressed with the Syrah-based
Relentless on my last two visits here." -Antonio Galloni (Dec 2011)
90 Points - Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wine:"High
in ripeness, high in oak and deep in character, this full-bodied effort
will not be mistaken for a shrinking violet. Focused on ripe pears and
apples, and picking up crème caramel-like richness and layering along
the way, this wine surprises a bit by turning slightly acidy and stiff
in the latter palate. It will need to be partnered with flavorful
chicken preparations and also has the stuffing to stand up to dishes
like blackened salmon. A year in bottle would not hurt." Reviewed:
August 2011
90 Points - Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar:"(14.9% alcohol): Bright, pale yellow-gold. Aromas of lemon drop, citrus blossom and fresh herbs. Juicy, intense and light on its feet, with a strong floral character providing lift to the flavors of lemon, apple and spices. Just a touch of alcohol on the back end." - Stephen Tanzer (May/June '11)
