The 2009 Chardonnay Red Shoulder Ranch is a gorgeous wine laced with expressive fruit and an open, radiant personality. Subtle hints of French oak and flowers are nicely layered into the finish. The 2009 was aged 75% in French oak and 25% in stainless steel. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2015. Shafer’s iconic Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select gets the lion’s share of the attention here, but the rest of the wines also deserve serious consideration. I have been especially impressed with the Syrah-based Relentless on my last two visits here. Tel. (707) 944-2877

The 2009 Chardonnay Red Shoulder Ranch is a gorgeous wine laced with expressive fruit and an open, radiant personality. Subtle hints of French oak and flowers are nicely layered into the finish. The 2009 was aged 75% in French oak and 25% in stainless steel. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2015. Shafer’s iconic Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select gets the lion’s share of the attention here, but the rest of the wines also deserve serious consideration. I have been especially impressed with the Syrah-based Relentless on my last two visits here.Tel. (707) 944-2877

Floral, even blossomy hints to the nose, with orange, white fruit and a pinch of spice. Weighty and rounded. Sleek and tightly knit. Fine concentration of flavour. Firm and well framed. Honeycomb hints and very good length and style. Up-market.

1 Shafer consistently produces one of the biggest, fruitiest Chardonnays in California, and yet the wine remains balanced and interesting. The 2009 Red Shoulder Ranch is gigantic in pineapples, pears, mangoes, tangerines and honey, yet so minerally and crisp that somehow it finishes dry.——S.H.(10/1/2011)—— 96