Shafer 2018 Chardonnay, Red Shoulder Ranch, Carneros
Item Number: 52 20 176 18
Shafer 2018 Chardonnay, Red Shoulder Ranch, Carneros
The 25th Anniversary Vintage of Red Shoulder Ranch Chardonnay!
Quick Taste
- Double 95 Points!
- Fermented on wild yeasts
- French Allier and Voge oak barrels
- "robust, full-bodied"
About Shafer 2018 Chardonnay, Red Shoulder Ranch, Carneros
Celebrating the 25th vintage of Chardonnay from their beautiful 70 acre Red Shoulder Ranch vineyard in Napa Valley’s Carneros District. Year after year this estate vineyard offers up wine with plush, exotic, zesty aromas and flavors. Carefully selected, small-cluster Chardonnay clones were planted and since the first vintage this wine has been a standout among California Chards. It's always fermented using only wild yeasts, 75% in barrel and 25% in stainless steel tanks.
This 2018 aged 14 months in 75% new French oak barrels (Allier, Vosges) and 25% in stainless steel barrels. Since it undergoes no malolactic fermentation this Chardonnay retains a lively natural acidity. The vineyard is named for its Red-shouldered Hawks and other birds of prey, who play an important role in Shafer's natural farming practices.
Wine Enthusiast Magazine scored this 95 points saying "This robust, full-bodied white holds its weight and pedigree remarkably well, offering an intensely flavored, richly layered experience that seamlessly provides freshness along the way. Apple, cinnamon and nutmeg are complemented by toasted oak and lasting structure."
This 2018 aged 14 months in 75% new French oak barrels (Allier, Vosges) and 25% in stainless steel barrels. Since it undergoes no malolactic fermentation this Chardonnay retains a lively natural acidity. The vineyard is named for its Red-shouldered Hawks and other birds of prey, who play an important role in Shafer's natural farming practices.
Wine Enthusiast Magazine scored this 95 points saying "This robust, full-bodied white holds its weight and pedigree remarkably well, offering an intensely flavored, richly layered experience that seamlessly provides freshness along the way. Apple, cinnamon and nutmeg are complemented by toasted oak and lasting structure."
Jeb Dunnuck scored this 95 points saying "Tasted out of bottle, the 2018 Chardonnay Red Shoulder Ranch is beautifully done, with a vibrant yet rich style carrying notes of buttered lemon, orange blossom, white flowers, and toasted bread. With bright acidity, terrific overall balance, and a great finish, this is classic Napa Valley Chardonnay to enjoy over the coming 5-7 years. I wouldn't be surprised to see it keep even longer as well."
Wine Details
- Alcohol % 14.5%
- Bottle Size 750 ml
- Wine Type White
- Country United States
- Region California
- Appellation Carneros
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