Shafer’s non-malolactic Chardonnay (5,000 cases produced) is currently represented by the 2006 Chardonnay Red Shoulder Ranch. Although not one of the top successes of Shafer’s Chardonnay program, it is certainly excellent. This vintage was difficult for Chardonnay, but this offering reveals crisp, elegant, melony characteristics along with fresh fruit, good acidity, medium body, and plenty of tropical fruit and honeysuckle notes. Approximately 75% was barrel-fermented and 25% was aged in stainless steel, which gives the wine more crispness. Celebrating 30 years of consistent quality and both critical and commercial success, this family run winery remains one of the most admirable operations in California. The Shafers have had tremendous success with their Relentless, which was first released in 1999. A blend of 80% Syrah and 20% Petite Sirah that spends 32 months in 100% new French oak, it is a remarkably consistent offering that rarely displays much oak. The Syrah is from Napa’s cool-climate Oak Knoll sector. One of the world’s most prodigious Cabernet Sauvignons is Shafer’s 2,000-case cuvee called Hillside Select. Always 100% Cabernet Sauvignon aged in 100% new French oak for a whopping 32 months, it boasts a gorgeous track record dating back to the early nineties, and just about every recent vintage has flirted with perfection.Tel. (707) 944-2877; Fax (707) 944-9454

Shafer’s non-malolactic Chardonnay (5,000 cases produced) is currently represented by the 2006 Chardonnay Red Shoulder Ranch. Although not one of the top successes of Shafer’s Chardonnay program, it is certainly excellent. This vintage was difficult for Chardonnay, but this offering reveals crisp, elegant, melony characteristics along with fresh fruit, good acidity, medium body, and plenty of tropical fruit and honeysuckle notes. Approximately 75% was barrel-fermented and 25% was aged in stainless steel, which gives the wine more crispness. Celebrating 30 years of consistent quality and both critical and commercial success, this family run winery remains one of the most admirable operations in California. The Shafers have had tremendous success with their Relentless, which was first released in 1999. A blend of 80% Syrah and 20% Petite Sirah that spends 32 months in 100% new French oak, it is a remarkably consistent offering that rarely displays much oak. The Syrah is from Napa’s cool-climate Oak Knoll sector. One of the world’s most prodigious Cabernet Sauvignons is Shafer’s 2,000-case cuvee called Hillside Select. Always 100% Cabernet Sauvignon aged in 100% new French oak for a whopping 32 months, it boasts a gorgeous track record dating back to the early nineties, and just about every recent vintage has flirted with perfection. Tel. (707) 944-2877; Fax (707) 944-9454

Several factors go into making this Chardonnay as extraordinary as it is. One is Carneros itself, which produces vibrant, crisp, fruit-filled grapes. Second is the Shafer approach of fermenting the wine in both stainless steel and oak barrels, giving a complexity of textures and brightnesses. The use of natural or wild yeasts may also contribute to complexity, while a firm decision against malolactic fermentation preserves vital acidity. The result is a compelling, layered wine whose tropical fruit, mineral, buttered toast and creme brulee flavors are in near-perfect harmony and balance.——S.H.(8/1/2008)—— 94