The
wines of Shafer Vineyards, Napa Valley, California
6154 Silverado Trail Napa, California 94558, USA
Tel: +1 707 944 2877
UK agent: Thorman Hunt
(020 735 6511)
Three wines tasted from this premium Napa producer. They’re
fine examples of what California has to offer, but oh the prices, the
prices…
Red Shoulder Ranch Chardonnay 1999
Deep yellow/gold colour. Rich, exotic oaky nose shows lifted
tropical fruit and nutty oak, with good complexity. The palate
concentrated, lush and spicy. A very rich style, but there’s good
acidity to keep things in balance. Impressive example of full-on
California Chardonnay. Very good/excellent (approx retail £40 per
bottle)
Merlot 1999
Deep coloured. Quite a classy nose with a pencil lead/mineralic
core, spicy herbal elements and bright acidity. The palate is rich but
balanced with good acidity, a spicy finish and good balance between
the fruit and the oak. Not overstated. Very good+ (approx retail £40)
Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon 1997
Shafer’s flagship wine is impressive, but considering how much
people are expected to pay for it, it has to be. Deep red/purple
colour. Expensive smelling nose is rich and quite complex with
menthol, herbs, spice and cassis characters. Hugely concentrated
palate with lots of fruit, firm tannins and well integrated oak. Great
potential for future development. Very good/excellent (approx retail
£120)
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wines tasted
November 2001
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