Description
Founded in 1978, Shafer Vineyards is situated in the Stags Leap District of Napa Valley, east of the Silverado Trail and just north of the town of Napa. Although their main focus has always been luxuriant, richly textured Cabernet Sauvignons from their Stags Leap vineyards, they own and farm vineyards also in Napa’s southernmost Carneros District.
Red Shoulder Ranch Chardonnay, From Shafer’s superbly sited, eponymous vineyard in the Napa Valley side of Carneros. It is barrel fermented, with wild yeast, and matured for 14 months in a combination of 75% new french oak barrels (Allier, Vosges) and 25% stainless steel barrels. Malolactic fermentation is prevented and as a result, the richly textured, intensely flavoured, concentrated fruit is beautifully supported by pure, vibrant acidity.
