Notes:
“…one of the best non-malolactic, barrel-fermented Chardonnays in California …” – Robert M. Parker, Jr., The Wine Advocate
On 68 acres near the northern tip of San Francisco Bay, Shafer harvests fruit for this classic single vineyard wine. The Red Shoulder Ranch vineyard in the Carneros region offers a long, consistently cool growing season, which is ideal for retaining acidity in Chardonnay fruit. To focus on varietal flavours, Shafer uses only wild yeast for fermentation and does not put the wine through malolactic fermentation.
ROBERT PARKER 'THE WINE ADVOCATE' 90-92 points 'The 2007 Chardonnay Red Shoulder Ranch is a return to the brilliance of this cuvee. Excellent acidity backs up considerable tropical fruit notes offered in a medium to full-bodied, zesty, substantial format. There is little evidence of oak in either its aromas or flavors. Drink it over the next several years as this is not a style that ages longer than 3-4 years.'