Shafer - Red Shoulder Ranch Chardonnay 2023 (750ml)

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Price: $76.99

Producer	Shafer
Country	United States
Region	California
Subregion	Napa Valley
Varietal	Chardonnay
Vintage	2023
Sku	107685
Size	750ml
ABV	13.00%

Shafer Description

Winemaker Notes

The 2023 is true to the outstanding vintage with brilliant, elegant aromas and flavors of citrus peel, honeycomb, white flowers, apricot, pineapple, and warm river stone all held together with effortless structure, lithe balance, and brightness that comes from pitch-perfect acidity.

Professional Ratings

96 James Suckling

So ripe, full and generous, with a full body and a big presence. Lovely apple blossom and lemon zest aromas with juicy apple and Bartlett pear flavors on a foundation of lively acidity. An element of chalky, mineral notes adds complexity and freshness, giving a linear feel to this big, bold wine.

94 Vinous
The 2023 Chardonnay Red Shoulder Ranch is a very pretty and expressive white. Tangerine peel, mint, white flowers and tropical overtones lend notable aromatic brightness. Blocked malolactic fermentation keeps the flavors lively, but there's also plenty of textural creaminess. This is a fine edition.
94 Wine Spectator
A bold, juicy expression, with pear drop, apple and apricot flavors that are juicy and intense. Details of wild fennel, grilled bread, crunchy sea salt, Meyer lemon zest, lemon thyme and ginger emerge on the fresh, juicy finish alongside a touch of yuzu. Drink now. 5,400 cases made.
93 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Shafer's 2023 Chardonnay Red Shoulder Ranch was bottled in July 2024 and was released in September. It's a distinctive style that eschews malolactic fermentation and marries barrel fermentation and maturation in new French oak (40%) with stainless steel drums (60%). Marked by bright pineapple and lime aromas, this full-bodied effort comes across as ripe and succulent while being fresh and zesty at the same time, with a lingering, citrusy finish.
93 Wine Enthusiast

Intriguing and attractive, this Chardonnay balances rich flavors with mouthwatering length for a succulent and enticing wine. Aromas and flavors of ripe white nectarine, peach, apple skin and pithy accents of white and pink grapefruit join with well-integrated spices.

93 Jeb Dunnuck
The 2023 Chardonnay Red Shoulder Ranch shows a more elegant, Chablis-like vibe compared to prior vintages and offers up a terrific nose of ripe citrus, spice, honeysuckle, and subtle tropical nuances. These all carry to a medium-bodied, lively, vibrant Chardonnay that has good mid-palate depth, integrated yet notable acidity, and a great finish. I love it today, yet it should have a decade of longevity, if not more.