Red Shoulder Ranch Chardonnay - Shafer Vineyards

The Red Shoulder Ranch Chardonnay from Shafer Vineyards is an outstanding white wine cuvée vinified exclusively from Chardonnay grapes. 

In the wine glass, this Californian wine presents itself in a brilliant straw yellow. Fruity-tropical notes of white peach, kiwi and grapefruit unfold on the nose and are underscored by toasted almond notes. The aromas of the nose are also reflected on the palate and are rounded off by a pleasant minerality and a lively, bright acidity.

This white wine is remarkably pure and structured, as well as elegant, dense, balanced and full-bodied, with a slight creaminess that comes from barrel aging. A long, lingering finish completes this expressive wine from California. 

Vinification of the Shafer Chardonnay Red Shoulder Ranch

The grapes are sourced from Red Shoulder Ranch, named for the red-shouldered hawk that makes its home in the area around the vineyard. 

After the careful hand harvest of the Chardonnay grapes, they are immediately brought to the winery. There the grapes are strictly selected and prepared for fermentation. The must is fermented exclusively with natural yeasts. Due to the absence of malolactic fermentation, this white wine retains its lively fresh acidity. Finally, this wine is aged sur lie (aging on fine lees) for 14 months. 75% of the wine is aged in French oak barriques and 25% in stainless steel barriques. 

Food pairing for the Chardonnay Shafer Red Shoulder Ranch

Serve this dry white wine from California with salads, various types of vegetables such as asparagus and artichokes, with pasta and risotto, and with seafood and fish.

Awards for the Red Shoulder Ranch Shafer Chardonnay

• Rober M. Parker - The Wine Advocate: 90+ points for 2016
• Vinous: 93 points for 2016
• Wine Enthusiast: 94 points for 2016
• Wilfred Wrong: 94 points for 2016
• Wine Spectator: 93 points for 2014

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