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!
ANTONIO GALLONI 94 POINTS - "The 2024 Chardonnay Red Shoulder Ranch is a very pretty, elegant wine. Lemon confit, white flowers, mint and light tropical inflections are some of the many notes that grace this weightless, super refined Chardonnay. All the elements are so well balanced. There is a feeling of understated lightness here that is so appealing."
JEB DUNNUCK 93 POINTS - "Based on multiple clones and aged in 30% new French oak with no malolactic fermentation, the 2024 Chardonnay Red Shoulder Ranch was bottled in July and offers tons of tropical fruits, honeysuckle, sweet lemon, and tangerine notes. It's medium-bodied, pure, and nicely balanced, with the fresh, fruity style of the vintage. Drink 2025-2037."
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!
ANTONIO GALLONI 94 POINTS - "The 2024 Chardonnay Red Shoulder Ranch is a very pretty, elegant wine. Lemon confit, white flowers, mint and light tropical inflections are some of the many notes that grace this weightless, super refined Chardonnay. All the elements are so well balanced. There is a feeling of understated lightness here that is so appealing."
JEB DUNNUCK 93 POINTS - "Based on multiple clones and aged in 30% new French oak with no malolactic fermentation, the 2024 Chardonnay Red Shoulder Ranch was bottled in July and offers tons of tropical fruits, honeysuckle, sweet lemon, and tangerine notes. It's medium-bodied, pure, and nicely balanced, with the fresh, fruity style of the vintage. Drink 2025-2037."
