SHAFER Merlot - Vaca Mountains, Napa Valley 2024 Bottle CASE x 12 Bottles - PRE-RELEASE

Description

We are delighted to offer the latest releases from Shafer Vineyards.

Founded in 1978, Shafer Vineyards is situated in the Stags Leap District of Napa Valley, east of the Silverado Trail and just north of the town of Napa. Although their main focus has always been luxuriant, richly textured Cabernet Sauvignons from their Stags Leap vineyards, they own and farm vineyards also in Carneros.

Low fertility, hillside sites have always been a major priority, as has the adoption of the finest, low vigour rootstocks and clones, leading to extremely low yields of small intensely concentrated grapes. They are also passionate exponents of sustainable farming practices in which they eschew all forms of chemical sprays, and their vineyards teem with natural predators including bats, owls, and a variety of insects. The resulting raw materials are of the highest quality and provide them with numerous, stylistic options in the winery.

Winemaking, in the hands of Elias Fernandez, also follows a similar philosophy of allowing the fruit full expression and with a minimum of intervention.

*****

Producing Merlot is a delicious Shafer tradition going back more than 40 years, when we established our first Merlot vines in 1981. 95% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. Sourced 96% from the estate School Bus Vineyard, nestled at the base of the Vaca Mountains in Napa Valley’s southern foothills — a site whose rocky volcanic soils and cool afternoon breezes yield Merlot of uncommon depth and polish. 16 months in 100% new French oak barrels (Allier & Tronçais)

“The 2024 growing season gave us Merlot of classic Napa Valley character — deep, dark, and generous. Layers of black cherry, ripe plum, and blackberry mingle with mocha, dried herbs, and a hint of violet, all supported by plush, rounded tannins. Bright acidity keeps the richness lively, carrying the wine to a long, polished finish that will only gain depth in the years ahead.” — Elias Fernandez, Winemaker

2024 GROWING SEASON
Generous winter rains carried vines through a warm, sun-filled summer, with healthy canopies buffering the season’s heat spells. Harvest returned to classic Napa timing — mid-August into October — yielding deep colour, bold flavours, and bright acidity in a true classic vintage.

Terms and Conditions

Offer - Subject to availability. Offer ends on 30th October 2026
Delivery – Early 2027
Prices - Include Freight, Duty & GST
Storage - On arrival into Jersey Free Storage until 30th April 2027
Payment - Goods will be invoiced on receipt of order. Payment as per our normal T&Cs.
Disclaimer - Prices of wine and spirits can go up or down. We are not liable for any losses incurred should any wine decrease in value from date of purchase.
E&OE - Errors & Omissions Excepted