The wonderfully talented Elias Fernandez knows a thing or two when it comes to making phenomenal wines. Not only is he one of the longest running tenured winemakers in Napa Valley with an astounding 40 years at Shafer Vineyards, he was also Food and Wine magazine's "Winemaker of the Year" in 2002. In addition, the Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon he crafts is one of the most sought-after wines produced in the world and has received several 100-point scores in its history. However, today we are offering the only white wine they produce, and it received a 95-point score! It doesn't stay in stock for long so grab this wine and don't let the exclusive be elusive!!
It all started with John Shafer, who was at the time a Chicago publishing executive. He purchased land in 1972 (in what is now the Stags Leap District AVA) and made the winery's first Cabernet Sauvignon in 1978. The winery was expanding with the addition of John's son Doug Shafer who joined to become the winemaker in 1983. And then again with Elias joining the team as assistant winemaker the following year. Then in 1994, Doug became the winery president and Elias took the winemaker title and all of the tasks associated with it. This incredible team went on to make some of the most amazing wines known in the world-- their most notable being their Hillside Select.
From their bold and statement-making reds, to this refined yet gorgeous Chardonnay, quality is the name of the game, and every single wine holds true to this idea. One of the unique things about this Chardonnay is that it does not see any malolactic fermentation. This ensures that the buttery notes are not out of line and keeps the freshness and vibrancy up to quality levels. Since it is the only white wine they do, it isn't rare for this bottle to sell out-- it's best to get it while we have it!
When critic Jeb Dunnuck says that he loves a wine, it's definitely something that grabs our attention. Considering how many wines he has tasted and reviewed throughout his 15-year career, his level of detail for explaining wine really entices us to want to drink the bottle then and there (who doesn't want to do that?). With Dunnuck awarding this bottle a 95-point score and us having the wine that eludes consumers, this bottle spells out "must have!"
JEB DUNNUCK 95 POINTS - "I love the 2022 Chardonnay Red Shoulder Ranch. It's a richer, broad, yet still fresh and lively Chardonnay with ripe citrus and pineapple fruits, medium to full body, a layered mouthfeel, and terrific toast, brioche, honeysuckle, and lemon oil aromatics. It will keep for 4-6 years, if not longer, but I love it today."
It all started with John Shafer, who was at the time a Chicago publishing executive. He purchased land in 1972 (in what is now the Stags Leap District AVA) and made the winery's first Cabernet Sauvignon in 1978. The winery was expanding with the addition of John's son Doug Shafer who joined to become the winemaker in 1983. And then again with Elias joining the team as assistant winemaker the following year. Then in 1994, Doug became the winery president and Elias took the winemaker title and all of the tasks associated with it. This incredible team went on to make some of the most amazing wines known in the world-- their most notable being their Hillside Select.
From their bold and statement-making reds, to this refined yet gorgeous Chardonnay, quality is the name of the game, and every single wine holds true to this idea. One of the unique things about this Chardonnay is that it does not see any malolactic fermentation. This ensures that the buttery notes are not out of line and keeps the freshness and vibrancy up to quality levels. Since it is the only white wine they do, it isn't rare for this bottle to sell out-- it's best to get it while we have it!
When critic Jeb Dunnuck says that he loves a wine, it's definitely something that grabs our attention. Considering how many wines he has tasted and reviewed throughout his 15-year career, his level of detail for explaining wine really entices us to want to drink the bottle then and there (who doesn't want to do that?). With Dunnuck awarding this bottle a 95-point score and us having the wine that eludes consumers, this bottle spells out "must have!"
JEB DUNNUCK 95 POINTS - "I love the 2022 Chardonnay Red Shoulder Ranch. It's a richer, broad, yet still fresh and lively Chardonnay with ripe citrus and pineapple fruits, medium to full body, a layered mouthfeel, and terrific toast, brioche, honeysuckle, and lemon oil aromatics. It will keep for 4-6 years, if not longer, but I love it today."
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