Perhaps Shafer Vineyard's greatest progress has been made in the Chardonnay program. Remarkably, the 1995 Chardonnay Red Shoulder Ranch looks to be at least as good as the 1994. The 1995 reveals a super-rich nose, considerable body and intensity, high extraction of flavor, yet no sense of heaviness or flabbiness - no doubt because the underlying zingy acidity gives the wine vibrancy and lift. This non-malolactic Chardonnay (remarkably, about 5,000 cases are produced) is aged in 50% new French oak casks, with the balance in one-year old barrels. Well-endowed (14.3% alcohol), with considerable glycerin and a blossoming complexity, the 1995 should drink well for another 2-3 years. 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