2007 Red Shoulder Ranch® Chardonnay
Release date: March 1, 2009
Suggested California retail: $48
“…one of the best non-malolactic, barrel-fermented Chardonnays in California …”
– Robert M. Parker, Jr., The Wine Advocate
On 68 acres near the northern tip of San Francisco Bay, Shafer harvests fruit for this classic single vineyard wine.
The Red Shoulder Ranch vineyard in the Carneros region offers a long, consistently cool growing season, which is ideal for retaining acidity in Chardonnay fruit. To focus on varietal flavors, Shafer uses only wild yeast for fermentation and does not put the wine through malolactic fermentation.
“The Red-shouldered hawks and other birds of prey do such an outstanding job, we named the vineyard in their honor,” says Doug Shafer.
Winemaker’s Notes
“Floral and white fruit aromas give way to flavors of tangerine blossom, honeydew melon, exotic spice, apricot, all held together with bright acidity, good structure and elegant balance,” says Shafer Winemaker Elias Fernandez.
“Excellent acidity backs up considerable tropical fruit notes offered in a medium to full-bodied substantial format.”
— Robert M. Parker, Jr., The Wine Advocate
2007 Red Shoulder Ranch® Chardonnay – Reviews
“Clean, crisp and flinty, with a mix of green apple, lime, quince and spicy hazelnut notes that are pure and focused, gaining depth on the finish.”
– James Laube, Wine Spectator
“Excellent acidity backs up considerable tropical fruit notes offered in a medium to full-bodied substantial format.”
– Robert M. Parker, Jr., The Wine Advocate
“... impeccably balanced—a full-bodied white with lemon and mandarin orange notes, zingy acidity, a hint of caramel (that'd be the wood) and a long, focused, refreshing finish. ... If this vintage is characteristic of his new style for Red Shoulder, I'm all for it.”
– Ray Isle, FoodAndWine.com
“Deep, juicy, compact and promising yet showing plenty of personality at this early stage of its development, this wine smells of ripe pears and apples buttressed by creamy, near caramelly oak ...”
– Connoisseurs’ Guide to California Wine
“... spicy, citrusy, apple and white peach aroma with notes of hazelnut, honeysuckle, and butterscotch; full body; forward, rich, fleshy, baked apple, ripe apricot, and tropical fruit flavors with good depth, structure and balance; pleasing mouthfeel with a crisp finish; lingering aftertaste ...”
– California Grapevine
“Bright, full and balanced; and vivid, tropical fruit.”
– Newsday
“A tropical chardonnay with a rich texture. Aromas and flavors of crème brulee, pear, melon and spice. Long finish.”
– Santa Rosa Press Democrat
“The Shafer Red Shoulder Ranch Chardonnay turns it up a notch, starting with an engaging floral nose and a brilliant balance of acidity that carries a bright array of stone fruit, apple, melon and citrus on the palate. This is a full-bodied, non-malolactic Chardonnay that oozes elegance, rich palate appeal and an exquisite finish.”
– About.com, “Recommended Chardonnays”
