2022 Shafer Vineyards Chardonnay Red Shoulder Ranch

Shafer's Chardonnay Red Shoulder Ranch Carneros is golden yellow in color and has a scent of ripe fruit and vanilla. The wine has a powerful, firm taste with soft fruit, fresh acidity, impressions of butter and toasted oak. In addition, the wine has a striking, cool elegance. The name “Red Shoulder Ranch” comes from the red plumage of the hawks, which, along with other birds of prey, naturally keep the population of mice and rats in Shafer's vineyards under control. Serve Chardonnay 'Red Shoulder Ranch' Carneros from Shafer at 12-14 °C with rich fish dishes, grilled/roasted crustaceans, white meat and poultry, pasta, vegetable dishes or salads.

The hand-harvested ripe grapes are selected and then pressed into whole bunches. Fermentation in barriques and stainless steel barrels with grape-own yeasts. Shafer deliberately omits the second fermentation for this wine to keep the wine more "crispy" and to appear less "log" than many American chardonnays. 25% of the wine is aged in stainless steel 225 l barrels, the rest matures in new French barriques (Allier and Vosges). The wine is aged in wood for 14 months.

“2022 Red Shoulder Ranch is a refreshing, vibrant Chardonnay characterized by its lush, glass-filling aromas of white flowers, lemon zest, and exotic fruit. On the palate it offers a graceful balance of energy and richness, with flavors of white melon, apricot, ripe pineapple, flint, honey, and Crème Brûlée. With its pure, Chablis-like acidity this vintage offers effortless structure and elegant balance with a long, delightful finish.”
— Shafer winemaker Elias Fernandez

FACT: The wine is in our conditioned Wine Warehouse and if you pick up the wine you will often receive a nice discount. You will see your discount immediately when you choose 'Collect' on the checkout page. We are located in Dordrecht almost next to the A16 with plenty of parking. Click here for our address.  

ABOUT SHAFER VINEYARDS

Shafer Vineyards was founded in 1972, when John Shafer, after a successful career in publishing, along with his son Doug, purchased vineyards on the Silverado Trail in Napa Valley. They purchased 180 acres, 12 of which were planted with vines. A program of additional and replanting was immediately carried out. From their start, the Shafers have been very innovative. The aim was to arrive at a completely natural way of growing grapes and making wine. By growing clover and peas, which in addition to combating erosion also form a rich humus layer, bees and other insects are attracted that ensure optimal pollination and a natural environment. The use of pesticides can therefore be prevented. Winemaker Elias Fernandez has been with Shafer since 1994 and is considered one of the most talented winemakers in Napa.

ABOUT CARNEROS

The Carneros area is located on the northern shore of San Francisco Bay, just south of Napa Valley and the town of Sonoma. Carneros is the southern portion of both Napa and Sonoma Counties. The area includes a total of 3,237 hectares, on the Napa side 615 hectares and on the Sonoma side 2,622 hectares of vineyard. It is a cool area, slightly hilly, bordering the San Pablo Bay. A fresh wind creates morning mist every day. It is one of the coolest wine regions in California, which means that grape varieties such as Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in particular produce fantastic qualities here.