The source for Shafer's Red Shoulder Ranch Chardonnay, this 68-acre Carneros District vineyard derives its name from the red-shouldered hawks and other raptors that keep gopher populations under control, playing an important role in Shafer's sustainable agriculture practices.

"In the late '80s we set out to find a Carneros vineyard of our own, knowing that this was an area ideally suited for Chardonnay. After looking for about eight months Dad and I found a great site. We prepared the vineyard with enormous care and selected five Chardonnay clones that would give us small clusters, low yields and great flavors. What we ended up with exceeded all our expectations. A Chardonnay with explosive fruit backed by clean, excellent acidity." -- Doug Shafer