Shafer Napa Valley Merlot 2009
Regular$54.99 Web Sale Only$44.99 SKU00960 |  |
Shafer
2009 is a great year for this varietal. The purity of aromas and flavors is focused and alive - this is unmistakably Merlot. Predominantly I find delicious red fruit with a core of lush black fruit - red cherry, red plum, spice and berry with hints of eucalyptus, earth and smoke. There's lots of flesh here held together in a structure of fine, ripe tannins.
Flatter Merlot's fruit by adding a similar element of fruit to poultry, pork and meat dishes (duck breast with dried cherry-Merlot sauce, roast chicken with cranberry-wild rice stuffing). Carmelized onions, roasted garlic and mushrooms are pleasant companions.
Wine Spectator
Supple, elegant and beautifully focused, with aromas of red currant and toasty vanilla that lead to ripe but sleek and layered flavors of black cherry, cinnamon and black tea. Tannins sneak in on the finish. Drink now through 2017.
Score: 92.
—Tim Fish,
July
31,
2012.
Wine Advocate
The 2009 Merlot includes 6-7% Cabernet Sauvignon as well as 1% Malbec. It may turn out to be the finest of these three vintages. Shafer had a very strong 2009 harvest that winemaker Elias Fernandez claims will be their best vintage of the last decade (very high praise given what they’ve accomplished). The deep purple-colored 2009 exhibits sweet aromas of black raspberries, black cherries, white chocolate and herbs. Medium-bodied and powerful as well as elegant and stylish, it will evolve for 10+ years.
Score: 90-92.
—Robert Parker,
December
2010.
Wine Enthusiast
Shafer's Merlot is very vintage driven, and this 2009 shows exceptionally ripe, sweet cherry and blueberry-pie flavors, enriched by 75% new French oak that brings toasty, spicy vanilla notes. It's flashy, opulent and delicious, but a bit forward and warm. Drink now.
Score: 90.
—Steve Heimoff,
July
01,
2012.
All sizes are 750mL unless otherwise noted.
Vintages and ratings subject to change at any time.
All pricing and availability subject to change.
Artwork does not necessarily represent items for sale.
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