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The last vintage of Shafer’s Sangiovese is the 2003 Firebreak Last Chance (92% Sangiovese and 8% Cabernet Sauvignon). Performing even better than it did last year, it boasts a dark ruby color as well as a big, savory perfume of strawberries, cranberries, earth, spice, herbs, and tobacco. With medium body, soft tannins, juicy, vibrant acidity, and a tasty, medium-bodied palate, it should drink beautifully for 5-6 years. Tel. (707) 944-2877; Fax (707) 944-9454
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Robert Parker
Robert Parker
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(92% sangiovese and 8% cabernet franc) Dark red. Enticing aromas of cherry, redcurrant, dried flowers, fresh tobacco, licorice, mint and loamy earth. Silky and supple in the mouth, with high-toned floral lift to the sweet flavors of plum, cherry, cranberry and cedary oak. Lush, suave and fine-grained wine, finishing with fine tannins and sexy oak notes. Following this harvest, Shafer replanted its sangiovese vines to cabernet sauvignon, syrah and petite sirah.
The medium dark ruby/plum-tinged 2003 Firebreak offers up a fragrant perfume of strawberries, kirsch, leather, earth, herbs, and spice. Spicy on the tongue, with a lovely texture, fine purity, and good length, it can be enjoyed over the next 4-5 years. Shafer Vineyards, one of the most impeccably run wineries in the world, is a wonderful family operation that deserves all the success they have earned. (Release date 3/06) Tel. (707) 944-2877; Fax (707) 944-9454
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.