2016 Chardonnay Carneros Red Shoulder Ranch
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Tasting notes
The 2016 Chardonnay is a rich, voluptuous effort (despite not going through malolactic fermentation) that’s loaded with notions of white peach, white flowers, and brioche. With balancing acidity and terrific purity, it’s a quintessential Napa Valley Chardonnay that’s ideal for drinking over the coming 4-5 years.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The fruit is a little subdued on the 2016 Chardonnay Red Shoulder Ranch, sporting cedar and toasty notions over delicate green mango, guava and beeswax scents. Full-bodied with a pleasantly oily texture, it has a lively line cutting through the tropical flavors and gives a toasty finish.
Shafer's 2016 Chardonnay Red Shoulder Ranch is focused, tightly wound and bristling with energy. Lemon confit, white flowers, mint and crushed rocks are all vivid and finely cut in this very pretty, nuanced wine. Slightly tropical notes develop with air but the 2016 is marked by its sense of drive and tension. The 2016 was done in 75% new oak and 25% steel, with blocked malolactic fermentation.
About the producer
The site of Shafer has been around since 1880, and grapes continued to be grown here, even during prohibition. It is said that some wine was made here during that time. In 1972, John Shafer bought the property in the Stag’s Leap district, he immediately began planting the Cabernet on the hillside.