Shafer Vineyards
Red Shoulder Ranch Chardonnay
Carneros, North Coast, California, USA
Utterly astounded by the graceful structure of this wine, despite its inherent "big-ness". So happy to revise my thoughts on this winery's Chard, even if only in this vintage.
Utterly astounded by the graceful structure of this wine, despite its inherent "big-ness". So happy to revise my thoughts on this winery's Chard, even if only in this vintage.
3 people found it helpfulJan 18th, 2015One of my favorites.
One of my favorites.
1 person found it helpfulAug 10th, 2014
The vineyard is named to honor the Red-shouldered Hawks and other birds of prey that play a vital role in sustainable farming practices (in this case keeping gopher and other rodent populations naturally under control). Vivid medium yellow color with aromas of tropical fruits and sweet floral scents. On the palate melon, pineapple and some peach flavors and hints of lemon citrus, delicate, complex and well balanced. Lingering finish, savory, ending with mineral tones and nutty smoky oak. Outstanding!
The vineyard is named to honor the Red-shouldered Hawks and other birds of prey that play a vital role in sustainable farming practices (in this case keeping gopher and other rodent populations naturally under control). Vivid medium yellow color with aromas of tropical fruits and sweet floral scents. On the palate melon, pineapple and some peach flavors and hints of lemon citrus, delicate, complex and well balanced. Lingering finish, savory, ending with mineral tones and nutty smoky oak. Outstanding!
Feb 28th, 2017
2012. I'm torn. The wine is big, almost opulent, and well made. But it's like being at a party of sophisticated adults and a couple of doofy teens show up -- oak and alcohol -- and draw just a bit too much attention to themselves. Delicious, but I'd love to see it in two years.
2012. I'm torn. The wine is big, almost opulent, and well made. But it's like being at a party of sophisticated adults and a couple of doofy teens show up -- oak and alcohol -- and draw just a bit too much attention to themselves. Delicious, but I'd love to see it in two years.
Jul 23rd, 2016
Tree fruit, apple and pear. Creamy on the palate. Beautiful.
Tree fruit, apple and pear. Creamy on the palate. Beautiful.
Aug 17th, 2015If this were a novel you'd be paying attention from the first paragraph. California profile, sure, but great structure and flavor. The fruit still speaks clearly.
If this were a novel you'd be paying attention from the first paragraph. California profile, sure, but great structure and flavor. The fruit still speaks clearly.
Jul 2nd, 2015
Very well made, Happy Mother's Day!
Very well made, Happy Mother's Day!
May 10th, 2015A clinical tasting note might diminish this wine, so I'll just say it's very well made and damned delicious.
A clinical tasting note might diminish this wine, so I'll just say it's very well made and damned delicious.
Feb 6th, 2015The first vintage was 1994 red shoulder ranch. Very rich bouquet vanilla bean creme brûlée
The first vintage was 1994 red shoulder ranch. Very rich bouquet vanilla bean creme brûlée
Jan 15th, 2015