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Shafer Vineyards Red Shoulder Ranch Chardonnay 2018 (750ML)
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Critic Scores, Reviews & Descriptions
95 WE / 95 JD
This robust, full-bodied white holds its weight and pedigree remarkably well, offering an intensely flavored, richly layered experience that seamlessly provides freshness along the way. Apple, cinnamon and nutmeg are complemented by toasted oak and lasting structure. - Virginie Boone, Wine Enthusiast
Tasted out of bottle, the 2018 Chardonnay Red Shoulder Ranch is beautifully done, with a vibrant yet rich style carrying notes of buttered lemon, orange blossom, white flowers, and toasted bread. With bright acidity, terrific overall balance, and a great finish, this is classic Napa Valley Chardonnay to enjoy over the coming 5-7 years. I wouldn't be surprised to see it keep even longer as well. Jeb Dunnuck
Celebrating the 25th vintage of Chardonnay from our beautiful Red Shoulder Ranch vineyard in Napa Valley’s Carneros District. Year after year this estate vineyard offers up wine with plush, exotic, zesty aromas and flavors.
“This 25th vintage of our Chardonnay offers abundant, exotic aromas and flavors of citrus blossom, apricot, pineapple, grapefruit zest, and honeydew melon all held together with seamless structure, elegant balance, and energy that comes from pure, clean acidity.”
— Shafer winemaker Elias Fernandez
“Vibrant gold color. Deep, inviting aromas of apricot marmalade, orange peel, lemon curd, with brighter tones of sea salt, honeyed tea, chalk dust. Plush and smooth texture, this is full-bodied and round with creamy texture, but zesty acidity, which frames the wine well. Creamy pears, lemon curd and baked apple fruit, with nutty, almond, pistachio notes, cinnamon. There’s this crisp, flinty, mineral vibe underneath that is really exciting. Rich but lively, bold but nuanced, Red Shoulder Ranch does it again. This is the 25th anniversary vintage of this wine.”
— Isaac James Baker, Terroirist.com