2021 Shafer Vineyards Napa Valley One Point Five

about Shafer Vineyards

Since its founding in 1978, Shafer Vineyards has established itself as one of the leading wineries in Napa Valley's Stags Leap District. The estate is led by the Shafer family, with a focus on sustainable vineyard practices and meticulous handcrafting in both the field and cellar. The name "One Point Five" refers to the one-and-a-half-generation collaboration between father John and son Doug Shafer. The estate's style is characterized by pure fruit expression, structure, and balance, with a distinctive elegance typical of the Stags Leap terroir.

vineyards and terroir

The grapes for One Point Five come primarily from two vineyards in the Stags Leap District, south of Yountville. The soil consists of volcanic rock, gravel, and clay, which ensures perfect drainage and concentrated aromas. The valley's microclimate, with warm days and cool nights, promotes slow ripening and an exceptional balance of ripe fruit and crisp acidity. This gives the wine its characteristic combination of power and finesse.

grape varieties and harvest

The 2021 Shafer One Point Five is made primarily from Cabernet Sauvignon, with a small amount of Merlot added for softness and roundness. The harvest was entirely hand-harvested. 2021 was a small but excellent vintage in Napa Valley: dry, cool nights, and low yields. This resulted in concentrated grapes with deep color and aromatic precision.

vinification and maturation

The grapes were carefully destemmed and gently pressed. Fermentation took place in temperature-controlled stainless steel, after which the wine aged for 20 months in new French oak barriques. This aging imparts structure, complexity, and subtle notes of cedar, vanilla, and mocha, without overpowering the fruit. The result is a modern, layered Cabernet with silky tannins and length.

review by The Wine Advocate

The Wine Advocate awarded the 2021 One Point Five 93 points. Joe Czerwinski described the wine as "an excellent wine, with aromas of ripe cherries, cedar, and vanilla, plus hints of mocha and loam." He praised the balance of ripeness, structure, and elegance, noting that this wine "offers more concentration, tannins, and length than the winery's TD-9." The rating confirms the continuity of Shafer's style: full-bodied, refined, and reliable in quality, with longevity. Recommended for drinking from 2024 to 2040.

color, smell and taste

The wine has a deep ruby red color with purple reflections. The nose reveals ripe black fruit—blackcurrant, cherry, and blackberry—enriched with notes of cedar, vanilla, and cocoa. The palate is full and velvety smooth, with ripe tannins and a juicy core of dark fruit. Subtly integrated oak notes contribute to the length and balance. The finish is long, elegant, and slightly spicy, with hints of espresso and earth.

Would you like to order Shafer Vineyards wines online?

If available, you'll find the official fact sheet and additional information about this fine wine in the "Attachments" tab. We'll automatically send you these when you order this wine. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you pick it up, you'll often receive a nice discount. You'll see your discount immediately when you select "Pick up" at checkout. We're located in Dordrecht, just off the A16 motorway with ample parking. Click here for our address: https://www.grandcruwijnen.nl/bezoek-ons. You can read the full wine reviews from Parker, Suckling, Vinous, and Wine Spectator, among others.

Need advice on finding the perfect wine to pair with your dish? Click here for our exclusive Sommelier. Free for Grand Cru customers. https://www.grandcruwijnen.nl/sommy

recommended wine and food pairings

• Grilled sirloin steak with rosemary and black pepper. The wine's robust structure perfectly complements the juicy meat.
• Venison steak with red wine sauce and truffle mashed potatoes. The wine enhances the earthy notes and adds balance to the dish.
• Rack of lamb with garlic and thyme. The spiciness of the meat complements the cedar and vanilla notes of the wine.
• Porcini and Parmesan ravioli. The creamy filling harmonizes with the wine's velvety texture.
• Aged cheddar or pecorino. The wine complements the saltiness of the cheese with its ripe fruit and length.
• Wild boar stew with pancetta and herbs. The intensity of the dish is beautifully carried by the concentration of the wine.