Shafer Vineyards

Red Shoulder Ranch Chardonnay

9.1117 ratings
9.119 pro ratings
Carneros, North Coast, California, USA
Chardonnay
Top Notes For
Sipping Fine Wine

Grabbed another bottle! Wine bears the vineyard named to honor the Red-shouldered Hawks and other birds of prey that play a vital role in sustainable farming practices. Bright yellow with aromas of tropical fruits and sweet floral scents. Aged for 14 months, 75% in new French oak and 25% in stainless. On the palate melon, pineapple and peach flavors and hints of citrus, subtle yet complex and well balanced. Lingering finish, savory, ending with mineral tones and toasty oak. Outstanding!

Grabbed another bottle! Wine bears the vineyard named to honor the Red-shouldered Hawks and other birds of prey that play a vital role in sustainable farming practices. Bright yellow with aromas of tropical fruits and sweet floral scents. Aged for 14 months, 75% in new French oak and 25% in stainless. On the palate melon, pineapple and peach flavors and hints of citrus, subtle yet complex and well balanced. Lingering finish, savory, ending with mineral tones and toasty oak. Outstanding!

Jan 5th, 2018
Andrew S

Nice tropical tones. A solid down the middle Napa Chardonnay.

Nice tropical tones. A solid down the middle Napa Chardonnay.

Aug 12th, 2017
Jimmy Smith

Director, West and North London Wine School

9.0

2013: newly released. Soft, approachable leesy, creamy style. Light vanilla, but good ripe peach, hint of pineapple. Taste is medium bodied, soft, and not overt. Quite elegant, slightly warming, but good texture. Somewhere between a Burgundy and a Cali

2013: newly released. Soft, approachable leesy, creamy style. Light vanilla, but good ripe peach, hint of pineapple. Taste is medium bodied, soft, and not overt. Quite elegant, slightly warming, but good texture. Somewhere between a Burgundy and a Cali

4 people found it helpfulJun 10th, 2015
Jeff Sidwell

Owner Bon! Gourmet

9.1

No maolo but new french oak lemon curd and spice custard flan

No maolo but new french oak lemon curd and spice custard flan

1 person found it helpfulJun 3rd, 2015
Eric Urbani

Powerful without overly relying on oak.

Powerful without overly relying on oak.

Jun 26th, 2016
Tom Riley

Delicious now, will sing in a few years. Acid, mid-palate, fruit, and finish are all delightful.

Delicious now, will sing in a few years. Acid, mid-palate, fruit, and finish are all delightful.

May 22nd, 2016
Kyle Schlachter

Writer Colorado Wine Press

8.9

Perfect with chicken pot pie. Rich. Baked apples. Pineapples. Shortbread. Mango. Vanilla. Smoke. A bit hot, but the ample acidity cuts through richness of pot pie. Good for those that like big rich Cali chards, but also enjoy steely version of Chardonnay.

Perfect with chicken pot pie. Rich. Baked apples. Pineapples. Shortbread. Mango. Vanilla. Smoke. A bit hot, but the ample acidity cuts through richness of pot pie. Good for those that like big rich Cali chards, but also enjoy steely version of Chardonnay.

May 8th, 2016
Greg Gregory

Naples Winter Wine Fest dinner with Krug and Shafer.

Naples Winter Wine Fest dinner with Krug and Shafer.

Jan 30th, 2016
Mike Steffel

One of our house favorites!

One of our house favorites!

Jan 24th, 2016
Bob Bryden

Founder The Lake Sommelier, LLC, Author Wine Talk

9.5

Creamy, soft and full of fruit. Lip smacking long finish.

Creamy, soft and full of fruit. Lip smacking long finish.

Oct 26th, 2015