The wonderfully talented Elias Fernandez knows a thing or two when it comes to making phenomenal wines. Not only is he one of the longest running tenured winemakers in Napa Valley with an astounding 40 years at Shafer Vineyards, he was also Food and Wine magazine's "Winemaker of the Year" in 2002. In addition, the Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon he crafts is one of the most sought-after wines produced in the world and has received several 100-point scores in its history. However, today we are offering the only white wine they produce, and it received a 95-point score! It doesn't stay in stock for long so grab this wine and don't let the exclusive be elusive!!
It all started with John Shafer, who was at the time a Chicago publishing executive. He purchased land in 1972 (in what is now the Stags Leap District AVA) and made the winery's first Cabernet Sauvignon in 1978. The winery was expanding with the addition of John's son Doug Shafer who joined to become the winemaker in 1983. And then again with Elias joining the team as assistant winemaker the following year. Then in 1994, Doug became the winery president and Elias took the winemaker title and all of the tasks associated with it. This incredible team went on to make some of the most amazing wines known in the world-- their most notable being their Hillside Select.
From their bold and statement-making reds, to this refined yet gorgeous Chardonnay, quality is the name of the game, and every single wine holds true to this idea. One of the unique things about this Chardonnay is that it does not see any malolactic fermentation. This ensures that the buttery notes are not out of line and keeps the freshness and vibrancy up to quality levels. Since it is the only white wine they do, it isn't rare for this bottle to sell out-- it's best to get it while we have it!
ANTONIO GALLONI 94 POINTS - "The 2023 Chardonnay Red Shoulder Ranch is a very pretty and expressive white. Tangerine peel, mint, white flowers and tropical overtones lend notable aromatic brightness. Blocked malolactic fermentation keeps the flavors lively, but there's also plenty of textural creaminess. This is a fine edition."
ROBERT PARKER'S WINE ADVOCATE 93 POINTS - "Shafer's 2023 Chardonnay Red Shoulder Ranch was bottled in July 2024 and was released in September. It's a distinctive style that eschews malolactic fermentation and marries barrel fermentation and maturation in new French oak (40%) with stainless steel drums (60%). Marked by bright pineapple and lime aromas, this full-bodied effort comes across as ripe and succulent while being fresh and zesty at the same time, with a lingering, citrusy finish."
It all started with John Shafer, who was at the time a Chicago publishing executive. He purchased land in 1972 (in what is now the Stags Leap District AVA) and made the winery's first Cabernet Sauvignon in 1978. The winery was expanding with the addition of John's son Doug Shafer who joined to become the winemaker in 1983. And then again with Elias joining the team as assistant winemaker the following year. Then in 1994, Doug became the winery president and Elias took the winemaker title and all of the tasks associated with it. This incredible team went on to make some of the most amazing wines known in the world-- their most notable being their Hillside Select.
From their bold and statement-making reds, to this refined yet gorgeous Chardonnay, quality is the name of the game, and every single wine holds true to this idea. One of the unique things about this Chardonnay is that it does not see any malolactic fermentation. This ensures that the buttery notes are not out of line and keeps the freshness and vibrancy up to quality levels. Since it is the only white wine they do, it isn't rare for this bottle to sell out-- it's best to get it while we have it!
ANTONIO GALLONI 94 POINTS - "The 2023 Chardonnay Red Shoulder Ranch is a very pretty and expressive white. Tangerine peel, mint, white flowers and tropical overtones lend notable aromatic brightness. Blocked malolactic fermentation keeps the flavors lively, but there's also plenty of textural creaminess. This is a fine edition."
ROBERT PARKER'S WINE ADVOCATE 93 POINTS - "Shafer's 2023 Chardonnay Red Shoulder Ranch was bottled in July 2024 and was released in September. It's a distinctive style that eschews malolactic fermentation and marries barrel fermentation and maturation in new French oak (40%) with stainless steel drums (60%). Marked by bright pineapple and lime aromas, this full-bodied effort comes across as ripe and succulent while being fresh and zesty at the same time, with a lingering, citrusy finish."
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