2022 Shafer Vineyards Red Shoulder Ranch Chardonnay

Shafer's Chardonnay Red Shoulder Ranch Carneros is golden yellow in color and offers aromas of ripe fruit and vanilla. The wine has a powerful, robust palate that reveals soft fruit, crisp acidity, hints of butter, and toasted oak. It also possesses 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 mouse and rat population in Shafer's vineyards under control. Serve Shafer's Chardonnay 'Red Shoulder Ranch' Carneros at 10-12°C (50-55°F) with rich fish dishes, shellfish, grilled/roasted white meats and poultry, pasta, vegetable dishes, or salads.

The hand-harvested, ripe grapes are selected and then pressed whole bunches. Fermentation takes place in barriques and stainless steel barrels with native yeasts. Shafer deliberately omits secondary fermentation in this wine to keep the wine crisper and less heavy than many American Chardonnays. Twenty-five percent of the wine is aged in 225-liter stainless steel barrels, while the remainder is aged in new French barriques (Allier and Vosges). The wine is aged in oak for 14 months.

FACT: 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 "Pickup" at checkout. We're located in Dordrecht, just off the A16 motorway, with ample parking. Click here for our address.  

ABOUT SHAFER VINEYARDS

Shafer Vineyards was founded in 1972 when John Shafer, after a successful career in publishing, and his son Doug purchased vineyards on the Silverado Trail in Napa Valley. They acquired 210 acres, 12 of which were planted with vines. A program of replanting and replanting was immediately implemented. From the outset, the Shafers were highly innovative. Their goal was to achieve a completely natural way of growing grapes and making wine. By growing clover and peas, among other plants, which not only prevent erosion but also form a rich humus layer, they attract bees and other insects, ensuring optimal pollination and a natural habitat. This eliminates the use of pesticides. Winemaker Elias Fernandez has been with Shafer since 1994 and is considered one of the most talented winemakers in Napa.

ABOUT CARNEROS

The Carneros region lies on the northern shore of San Francisco Bay, just south of Napa Valley and the town of Sonoma. Carneros is the southernmost part of both Napa and Sonoma Counties. The area encompasses a total of 3,237 hectares (8,400 acres) of vineyards, with 615 hectares (1,500 acres) on the Napa side and 2,622 hectares (6,500 acres) on the Sonoma side. It is a cool, slightly hilly area bordering San Pablo Bay. A fresh breeze brings morning fog daily. It is one of California's coolest wine regions, allowing grape varieties like Pinot Noir and Chardonnay to produce fantastic qualities.