SHAFER 'TD-9' - Stag's Leap District, Napa Valley 2016 Bottle

Description

Shafer Vineyards stands as a benchmark of Napa Valley excellence, founded by John Shafer who famously tamed his rugged Stags Leap hillside. The 2016 vintage, an exceptional Californian year, saw a mild summer and steady ripening, yielding perfectly balanced fruit.
This proprietary blend immediately commands attention with aromas of ripe black cherry, crushed dark berries, and subtle baking spice. On the palate, it delivers a rich, full bodied experience; plush tannins seamlessly integrate with juicy plum, cassis, and dark chocolate. The remarkably long finish echoes elegant oak and lingering dark fruit, promising graceful ageing.

*****

WINE ENTHUSIAST 95 points
The winery's proprietary blend of 58% Merlot, 26% Cabernet Sauvignon and 16% Malbec is hugely impressive and memorable, with a smoky, toasted oak character. Plush flavors of blackberry and cherry jam meld with spice on the rich, round midpalate. It offers plenty of grip and concentration, finishing on a handful of dried herb. — Virginie Boone

WINE ADVOCATE 94 points
Reviewed by: Lisa Perrotti-Brown
Drink Date: 2019 - 2044
The 2016 Red Blend TD-9 is blended of 58% Merlot, 26% Cabernet Sauvignon and 16% Malbec. It has a very deep purple-black color and displays ready-for-biz, fragrant scents of warm plums, Black Forest cake and blueberry compote with touches of baking spices, bay leaves and potpourri. Full-bodied with a serious, firm frame of ripe, grainy tannins, the palate delivery loads of black fruit and spicy layers with bags of vivacity and panache.