2004 Napa Valley Merlot
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Tasting notes
The 2004 Merlot (75% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Cabernet Franc) continues to demonstrate that the movie “Sideways” really had some fatal flaws. I suspect if the director had tasted the Shafer Merlot, or for that matter the Pahlmeyer and a few others, some of the nonsense about Merlot would never have appeared in that funny and enjoyable movie. Shafer’s 2004 Merlot is Napa Merlot at its finest – juicy, succulent, sexy and irresistible. It boasts a deep ruby/purple color along with copious aromas of black cherries, spice, smoke and earth. Beguiling, silky smooth and round, it is a total turn-on. Possibly the hottest winery, qualitatively, in Northern California is Shafer Vineyards. It has been a long time since they have turned out a less than prodigious wine. Moreover, everyone loves this family and staff, so Shafer is the quintessential example of the good guys finishing first. Tel. (707) 944-2877; Fax (707) 944-9454
Critic scores
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Good bright ruby. Cassis, bitter chocolate and mocha on the musky nose. Rich, ripe, sexy and deep, with considerable sweetness to the flavors of currant, chocolate and cherry cola. As lush as this is, there's also plenty of inner-mouth energy thanks to ripe, harmonious acidity. Finishes long and clinging, with ripe tannins and plenty of sweet oak.
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.