Perhaps Shafer Vineyard's greatest progress has been made in the Chardonnay program. Last year I provided an exciting preview report of the 1994 Chardonnay Red Shoulder Ranch, a powerful, rich, non-malolactic style of Chardonnay that is the richest wine of this style I have tasted from California. I have had the wine four times over the last six months, and it is a gorgeously- proportioned, intense, formidably-endowed Chardonnay with attractive citrusy, lemon, buttery, smoky nut, honeyed-like flavors, full body, good acidity for definition, and a clean, fresh, intensely-flavored finish. Another of Napa's finest wineries, Shafer has taken full advantage of a succession of superlative vintages during the nineties, producing a powerful portfolio of brilliant wines. Since 1991, just about everything emerging from Shafer Vineyards has been high on buyers' lists. All things considered, Doug and John Shafer are at the top of their game. Tel. (707) 944-2877; Fax (707) 944-9454