2013 Napa Valley Merlot
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Tasting notes
A big, dark wine, the 2013 Merlot is just beginning to develop the first signs of aromatic complexity. Plum, black cherry, menthol, chocolate and leather infuse the super-expressive finish. Once again, the pure pedigree of the 2013 vintage comes through loud and clear. This is a drop-dead gorgeous wine from Shafer.
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Robert Parker
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
A soft, juicy 2013 Merlot (90% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Malbec) has no hard edges, a dark ruby/purple color and attractive cherry and berry fruit. Drink it over the next 5-7 years.
Shafer's 2013 Merlot is wonderfully fresh, brisk and nuanced. Sweet red cherry, plum, mint and expressive spice notes are all pushed forward. This open-knit, fleshy Merlot should drink well for the next handful of years.
A rich, explosive wine, the 2013 Merlot races across the palate with dark red and blue fruit, graphite, smoke, tobacco and menthol. Today, the 2013 is unusually firm, but it should start to soften with more time in barrel. White flowers, spices and plums are laced into the super-expressive finish. What a gorgeous wine this is. A splash of Petit Verdot rounds out the blend.
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.