March 23, 2018 - That Shafer fruit. Although 2003 was a disaster for most of Napa Valley, it was a good year for Shafer wines. Remember RP gave the 2003 Hillside Select 100pts. Maybe they picked the grapes before the rain or I don't know. Anyway, I had pretty high hopes for this one (although RP gave the 2003 Merlot 90pts).
Straight from pop and pour, the smell was so-so but improved as I swirled it around a couple times. First sip, whoa nice. Seamless entry and exit on the back end. Delicious fruit with a hint of umami. Then I remember, ah, it's that Stag's Leap fruit. This was a treat.
On a side note, I finished the whole bottle by myself and had a couple shots of whiskey afterwards. I am writing this review with an intense hangover. Cheers.
January 4, 2014 - Awesome merlot in the Cali style. Big, velvety, balanced with nice structure. Long finish with notes of chocolate. Nice nose. No rough edges. Sorry to see my last one go.
February 9, 2013 - Smooth for the wine. Opened up very nicely. Wine thAt I will buy more of.
August 19, 2012 - Better on Day 1 than Day 3. Dark fruits on nose and palate with light vanilla. Some earthiness. Well balanced and long finish. Silky with nice acids and structure. By Day 3 there is a port-like quality starting to emerge - probably due to indifferent storage.
December 4, 2011 - in Niujiangjun, this wine is powerful yet balance, it is fruity and dense but shows no alc heat. It changed my idea of a merlot. Nice wine to pair with steak.
November 28, 2011 - Sunday dinner. Good fruity nose. Very good palate, balanced and nice. Really enjoyed it. Drinking very well now.
September 11, 2011 - Let the bottle opened and decanted for over 3 hrs and drank over 2 hrs. Very prominent fruity, berry and vanilla nose. On the palate, it shows its depth and complexity. Very long, silky and balanced mouth feel. All of us enjoyed this beautiful bottle!
June 12, 2011 - Outstanding merlot.
April 22, 2011 - PnP had touch of tar on noise, opened up with time to more fruit and floral notes. Ready to drink now. Balanced and very enjoyable.
February 14, 2011 - Rich, silky, deep berry and beautifully balanced.