Tasting at Shafer

Tasted Thursday, October 6, 2011 by AllRed with 472 views

Introduction

We had the afternoon appointment at Shafer. The weather was warm and sunny, and so the tasting room's walls were opened. It's a lovely spot to taste some terrific wines. John was on a birthday cruise with his wife, so Doug stopped in for a few minutes to say hello, as did Tucker. Complimentary for mailing list members & their guests ($50/person otherwise).

Flight 1 (5 Notes)

  • 2009 Shafer Chardonnay Red Shoulder Ranch 92 Points

    USA, California, Napa / Sonoma, Carneros

    Aged in a combination of oak and stainless. Pale color. Notes of apple and coconut; floral overtones- honeysuckle; mineral. Medium-bodied, with flavors of apple and mineral with subtle, soft oak qualities; good acidity.

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  • 2008 Shafer Merlot 90 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley

    Contains 20% Cabernet Sauvignon. Deep crimson color with aromas of lavender, florals, red currants, cocoa and cherry. Plush, velvety mouthfeel with flavors of black cherry, spice and red fruit.

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  • 2008 Shafer Cabernet Sauvignon One Point Five 93 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley, Stags Leap District

    Aged 22 months in new oak and another 12 in bottle. Inky crimson color. Aromas of black currants, cassis, violets, lavender, black cherry and blackberry. Chewy tannins; flavors of black fruits and cherry, plum and spice. Well-balanced; long finish.

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  • 2008 Shafer Relentless 92 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley

    75% Syrah and 25% Petite Sirah, co-fermented. Notes of blackberry, spice, iron, florals and dark fruit. Full-bodied with firm tannins and flavors of black fruit and spice with a long finish.

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  • 2007 Shafer Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select 95 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley, Stags Leap District

    Inky crimson color, opaque core. Aromas of violets, cassis, black cherry and florals. Full-bodied with lush, velvety tannins. Powerful, but such amazing balance. Blackberry, cherry and currant flavors with a spice note lingering on the long, long finish. Stunning despite its youth and power.

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Closing

We were also given a glass of the "port" made from Cabernet Sauvignon, though I didn't note the vintage. I did like this vintage better than the 2005 which I tasted in 2008, as it wasn't overly alcoholic and displayed some nice chocolate and black fruit qualities.

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