1996 Chardonnay Carneros Red Shoulder Ranch
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Tasting notes
The 1996 Chardonnay Red Shoulder Ranch may be slightly less complex than both the 1997 and 1995, but it is still an outstanding offering. Full-bodied and complex, with aromas of roasted nuts, honeyed tropical fruits, and minerals, it is a chewy wine with decent acidity, and plenty of power, richness, and class. It should be enjoyed over the next 1-2 years. An argument could be made that Shafer is turning out the finest non-malolactic Chardonnay in California. This sumptuous wine is fermented with indigenous yeast, given extensive lees stirring, and bottled after 14 months of aging in 50% new oak (some of which is American). Tel. (707) 944-2877; fax (707) 944-9454.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Floral, herbal, lemon and butterscotch aromas, plus a vague meaty nuance. Very rich and silky in the mouth, with a leesy complexity; concentrated and seamless. Lowish acidity contributes to an impressively glyceral mouth feel. Fat, long, spicy finish. Wears its substantial (14.3%) alcohol a bit more gracefully than the '95.
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.