Reviews & Ratings

2012 Shafer Vineyards Chardonnay "Red Shoulder Ranch"

Winery: Shafer Vineyards

Vintage: 2012

Wine Name/Vineyard: "Red Shoulder Ranch"

Wine Category: Chardonnay

Grape blend: 100% Chardonnay

Bottle size: 750 ml

Region: Carneros

State or country: CA

Price: $50

Cases produced: 6,700

KWG Score: 93.5 (based on 6 reviews)

Ken's Wine Rating: Excellent (95)

Review date: September 24, 2014

Wine Review: This Chardonnay from Shafer is Excellent and it is the top Chardonnay that I have covered so far this year. It is straw colored and opens with a very appealing vanilla oak and apple bouquet. On the palate, this wine is full bodied, very nicely balanced and smooth. The flavor profile is a delicious blend of pear and apple. I also detected hints of lemon, honey and gentle oak. The finish is dry and its flavors last for quite some time. This Chard can certainly be enjoyed on its own. With food, I would pair it with lobster bisque. Enjoy – Ken

Winemaker Notes: The 2012 vintage gives the wine all the characters I love in this Chardonnay, just more of them. Your glass swims with floral aromas and flavors of white peach, honeysuckle, grapefruit peel, kiwi and toasted almond – a gorgeous, juicy bowl of fruit held together with pleasing minerality and lively, bright acidity.

Buy it: Use 1000 Corks to find stores that sell Shafer 2012 Red Shoulder Ranch Chardonnay.