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Shafer Vineyards Napa Valley Merlot 2013
Shafer makes one of California's finest Merlots. Sourced from a Yountville vineyard site and another in the foothills just south of Stag's Leap, Shafer reduced the crop more than usual in the cool 2012 vintage in order to harvest fine clusters with developed color and flavor. The wine was aged for 20 months in 75% new French oak and the wine is complemented by 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6% Malbec. The Shafer 2012 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. 90 Points Robert Parker: "A barrel sample of the 2013 Merlot, which is a similar blend to the 2012, looks like it’s going to be as good, although it plays it closer to the vest and is more restrained at present. The wine exhibits dense ruby/plum color, sweet berry fruit mixed with background oak, soil undertones and a touch of unsmoked cigar tobacco. A little chocolate is also in the mix. Drink this medium-bodied wine over the next 10-plus years."
Ratings on Delectable
Sipping Fine Wine 
John Shafer and his family founded Shafer Vineyards, located in the Stags Leap District of the Napa Valley. A blend of 84% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon & 8% Malbec. Aromas of fresh berry fruit, some spice and jammy notes. On the palate full blackberry and blue fruit flavors, notes of cacao and coffee with savory spice on firm tannins, a powerhouse! Lingering finish ending with pepper spice, Wow! A must try!! Still has room to age.
John Shafer and his family founded Shafer Vineyards, located in the Stags Leap District of the Napa Valley. A blend of 84% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon & 8% Malbec. Aromas of fresh berry fruit, some spice and jammy notes. On the palate full blackberry and blue fruit flavors, notes of cacao and coffee with savory spice on firm tannins, a powerhouse! Lingering finish ending with pepper spice, Wow! A must try!! Still has room to age.
9.2
Brian Szluk
Raspberry, blackberry, herbs and spice.
Raspberry, blackberry, herbs and spice.
8.8
Chris Koupal
Super concentrated. Blueberry spice and leather. Fantastic as expected.
Super concentrated. Blueberry spice and leather. Fantastic as expected.
9.7
David Todd
Had such great wines in Seattle had to keep the trend going!
Had such great wines in Seattle had to keep the trend going!
9.1
Tracy Hall
Pour a bit in a glass, put the cork back and drink it the next day. Really nice
Pour a bit in a glass, put the cork back and drink it the next day. Really nice
9.2John Wight
Sommelier/Wine Director Luce Restaurant
Massive with mocha and black fruit for days!
Massive with mocha and black fruit for days!
9.1Tracy Hall
Pop and pour good. Nice balance. Half bottle
Pop and pour good. Nice balance. Half bottle
9.1
Adam Jesberger
Decent. There is complexity here although this wine is a touch hot for me. Nice butterscotch like finish to it. Id love a 13% abv version of this.
Decent. There is complexity here although this wine is a touch hot for me. Nice butterscotch like finish to it. Id love a 13% abv version of this.
8.7
Shay A
Excellent evening spent with great people, and the wine decided to step up to the plate! I don't have a lot of experience with Shafer, but when I have, it's never disappointed. This merlot was powerful...could smell the cherries and menthol a few feet away. Dark color with medium legs. Definitely a bit of spice to it, and the dark fruits worked well with the small bit of Petit Verdot.
Excellent evening spent with great people, and the wine decided to step up to the plate! I don't have a lot of experience with Shafer, but when I have, it's never disappointed. This merlot was powerful...could smell the cherries and menthol a few feet away. Dark color with medium legs. Definitely a bit of spice to it, and the dark fruits worked well with the small bit of Petit Verdot.
9.2
Mike R
Not my usual big bold red I yearn for but as a Merlot I would highly recommend - back in hometown wine shoppe and needed some chill juice - this will give me a little smile which is better than no smile at all!!!!!
Not my usual big bold red I yearn for but as a Merlot I would highly recommend - back in hometown wine shoppe and needed some chill juice - this will give me a little smile which is better than no smile at all!!!!!
9.1
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