2003 Napa Valley Merlot
Market price
Buying options
Tasting notes
The incredibly consistent, high-quality Shafer Vineyards has turned out a gorgeous 2003 Merlot that is strutting its stuff at age ten. It will unquestionably hold on to life for another 5-10 years, but why wait? A blend of 82% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc and 8% Cabernet Sauvignon aged 20 months in French barrels, it displays a dark plum/ruby/purple color along with a sweet nose of berry fruit, toast, spice box, coffee bean and cassis. This luscious, round, medium to full-bodied, sexy wine is irresistible. Tel. (707) 944-2877; Fax (707) 944-9454
Critic scores
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Good red-ruby color. Wild aromas of bitter cherry, spice cake, tobacco, meat and leather; conveys a strong impression of soil. Supple, pliant and deep; round but firm. This boasts a lovely sugar/acid balance and firm underlying structure. Intriguing hints of minerals, fresh herbs, leather, tobacco and mint on the long finish. Merlot with real personality, which is hard to find in California.
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.