Shafer Red Shoulder Ranch Chardonnay 2023
Carneros, Napa Valley, California
Crafted by Shafer Vineyards, Red Shoulder Ranch Chardonnay is one of California’s benchmark expressions of the variety. Grown in the cool-climate Carneros appellation and fermented with native yeast, it combines richness, precision, and vibrant acidity, with restrained, beautifully integrated oak.
An elegant, layered California Chardonnay that balances freshness and depth. Rich fruit concentration meets lively acidity and subtle oak influence, resulting in a refined, age-worthy wine rather than an overtly oaked style.
Appearance:
Bright straw to pale gold with youthful green highlights.
Nose:
Fresh and expressive. Aromas of lemon zest, green apple, pear, and white peach are lifted by notes of honeysuckle, toasted almond, brioche, and a subtle flinty minerality.
Palate:
Medium-to-full bodied with excellent tension and clarity. Flavours of citrus curd, crisp apple, ripe pear, and stone fruit unfold on the palate, supported by vibrant acidity. Nuanced notes of hazelnut, vanilla, and gentle baking spice from well-judged oak add texture and complexity without overshadowing the fruit.
Finish:
Long, precise, and refreshing, with lingering citrus, subtle creaminess, and mineral drive.
A cooler, balanced vintage in Carneros, preserving aromatic purity and natural acidity. Wines from 2023 show freshness, precision, and poise, with excellent structure for both early enjoyment and graceful ageing.
2025–2033
Enjoyable now for its freshness and energy, with the ability to develop additional complexity over the next 6–8 years.
Excellent with:
Butter-poached lobster or crab
Seared scallops
Roast chicken with herbs
Creamy risotto or pasta dishes
Soft and semi-soft cheeses
If you’d like, I can also create a short wine-list version, a retail shelf talker, or align it stylistically with the rest of your Chardonnay section at The Tasting Room.
