1996 Napa Valley Merlot
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Tasting notes
The medium to full-bodied 1996 Merlot (77% Merlot, 16% Cabernet Franc, and 7% Cabernet Sauvignon) is more exotic than the 1997, with some of Merlot's chocolate overtones emerging in the black cherry fruit. While the 1996 may be fuller and heavier than the 1997, it is also an excellent effort. I would opt for consuming it over the next decade. Shafer does superlative things with this varietal. This estate's Merlot, which increasingly comes from their Carneros vineyard, reveals true varietal character. Shafer often includes 15% Cabernet Franc in the blend, as well as a small dollop of Cabernet Sauvignon. Tel. (707) 944-2877; fax (707) 944-9454.
Critic scores
Robert Parker
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.