Shafer 2005 Merlot, Napa Valley

Very Limited

The Shafer 2005 Merlot Napa Valley is rich purple, reflecting the vintage, and offers lush, focused flavors and aromas of bright cherries, strawberry, red and black plums, and cranberry. The Cabernet Sauvignon gives the wine added strength, firm tannins and age-ability. Cabernet Franc brings in lovely fragrance with a hint of violets.

Robert Parker: "The Shafer 2005 Merlot Napa Valley, which has 12% Cabernet Sauvignon and 8% Cabernet Franc in the blend, is a sensual, elegant style of wine. Soft, richly fruity, with notes of herb, mocha, coffee bean, and plenty of berry fruit, the wine has crisp acidity and a good finish. Drink it over the next 7-8 years. One of Napa’s most prominent and respected wineries, Shafer is a poster boy for remarkable and consistent quality across the board. All of this is the work of the brilliant father and son team of John and Doug Shafer as well as their long-term winemaker and vineyard manager, Elias Fernandez. With over 200-plus acres of estate holdings, and 55 surrounding their winery in Stags Leap, this is a winery that never seems to disappoint."