96 points                                                                 
Shafer's Red Shoulder Ranch Chardonnay is one of California's finest examples of this varietal - don't miss it while it's available.

93 Points Robert Parker: "Shafer's Chardonnay Red Shoulder Ranch was bottled in July 2024 and was released in September. It's a distinctive style that eschews malolactic fermentation and marries barrel fermentation and maturation in new French oak (40%) with stainless steel drums (60%). Marked by bright pineapple and lime aromas, this full-bodied effort comes across as ripe and succulent while being fresh and zesty at the same time, with a lingering, citrusy finish."

previous vintage 96 Points Jeb Dunnuck: "I've always loved the Chardonnay from this team, and the Shafer Chardonnay Red Shoulder Ranch has that classic richer, full-bodied style while staying balanced and light on its feet. Buttered lemons, tangerines, green almond, and toasty notes all make an appearance, and it's incredibly textured, with nicely integrated acidity and one heck of a finish. This powerful Chardonnay is going to impress right out of the gate."

94 Points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "The Shafer Chardonnay Red Shoulder Ranch is a beautiful wine. Soft, creamy and layered in the glass, possesses superb balance from the outset. Lees stirring brings out creaminess and resonance, yet retains terrific energy to match its mid-weight personality. This is very nicely done. "

“…one of the best non-malolactic, barrel-fermented Chardonnays in California …”
The Wine Advocate

This vintage is a celebration of the Chardonnay from our beautiful Red Shoulder Ranch® vineyard in Napa Valley’s Carneros District. Year after year this Shafer-owned vineyard offers up wine with plush, exotic, zesty aromas and flavors.