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Shafer Vineyards

Napa Valley Merlot

9.198 ratings
9.09 pro ratings
Napa Valley, California, USA
Merlot
Beef, Venison, Salami & Prosciutto, Chili & Hot Spicy, Potato, Exotic Spices, Lamb, White Rice, Baking Spices, Herbs, Pasta, Chicken, Mushrooms, Pungent Cheese, Turkey, Tomato-Based, Soft Cheese, Pork, Beans & Peas, Hard Cheese, Duck, Onion, Shallot, Garlic

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Shafer VineyardsNapa Valley, CaliforniaMerlot
Top Notes For
Sipping Fine Wine
9.2

John Shafer and his family founded Shafer Vineyards, located in the Stags Leap District of the Napa Valley. A blend of 84% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon & 8% Malbec. Aromas of fresh berry fruit, some spice and jammy notes. On the palate full blackberry and blue fruit flavors, notes of cacao and coffee with savory spice on firm tannins, a powerhouse! Lingering finish ending with pepper spice, Wow! A must try!! Still has room to age.

John Shafer and his family founded Shafer Vineyards, located in the Stags Leap District of the Napa Valley. A blend of 84% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon & 8% Malbec. Aromas of fresh berry fruit, some spice and jammy notes. On the palate full blackberry and blue fruit flavors, notes of cacao and coffee with savory spice on firm tannins, a powerhouse! Lingering finish ending with pepper spice, Wow! A must try!! Still has room to age.

Dec 9th, 2017
Brian S
8.8

Raspberry, blackberry, herbs and spice.

Raspberry, blackberry, herbs and spice.

Sep 21st, 2017
Chris Koupal
9.7

Super concentrated. Blueberry spice and leather. Fantastic as expected.

Super concentrated. Blueberry spice and leather. Fantastic as expected.

1 person found it helpfulDec 25th, 2016
David Todd
9.1

Had such great wines in Seattle had to keep the trend going!

Had such great wines in Seattle had to keep the trend going!

1 person found it helpfulNov 17th, 2016
Tracy Hall
9.2

Pour a bit in a glass, put the cork back and drink it the next day. Really nice

Pour a bit in a glass, put the cork back and drink it the next day. Really nice

1 person found it helpfulJul 17th, 2016
John Wight

Sommelier/Wine Director Luce Restaurant

9.1

Massive with mocha and black fruit for days!

Massive with mocha and black fruit for days!

1 person found it helpfulApr 17th, 2016
Tracy Hall
9.1

Pop and pour good. Nice balance. Half bottle

Pop and pour good. Nice balance. Half bottle

1 person found it helpfulMar 19th, 2016
Adam Jesberger
8.7

Decent. There is complexity here although this wine is a touch hot for me. Nice butterscotch like finish to it. Id love a 13% abv version of this.

Decent. There is complexity here although this wine is a touch hot for me. Nice butterscotch like finish to it. Id love a 13% abv version of this.

1 person found it helpfulOct 10th, 2015
Shay A
9.2

Excellent evening spent with great people, and the wine decided to step up to the plate! I don't have a lot of experience with Shafer, but when I have, it's never disappointed. This merlot was powerful...could smell the cherries and menthol a few feet away. Dark color with medium legs. Definitely a bit of spice to it, and the dark fruits worked well with the small bit of Petit Verdot.

Excellent evening spent with great people, and the wine decided to step up to the plate! I don't have a lot of experience with Shafer, but when I have, it's never disappointed. This merlot was powerful...could smell the cherries and menthol a few feet away. Dark color with medium legs. Definitely a bit of spice to it, and the dark fruits worked well with the small bit of Petit Verdot.

Aug 18th, 2016
Mike R
9.1

Not my usual big bold red I yearn for but as a Merlot I would highly recommend - back in hometown wine shoppe and needed some chill juice - this will give me a little smile which is better than no smile at all!!!!!

Not my usual big bold red I yearn for but as a Merlot I would highly recommend - back in hometown wine shoppe and needed some chill juice - this will give me a little smile which is better than no smile at all!!!!!

Jul 1st, 2016