2003 Chardonnay Carneros Red Shoulder Ranch
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Tasting notes
Bright, pale straw-gold color. Pear, clove and cinnamon aromas offer lovely purity and floral lift. Dense and spicy on the palate; offers strong extract without any impression of heaviness thanks to bright acidity. The sappy flavors of pear and dusty minerals offer a restrained sweetness. Finishes with excellent persistence. A very successful vintage for this consistently excellent chardonnay.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2003 Chardonnay Red Shoulder Ranch is cut from the same mold as the 2002, with a bit more orange peel and tropical fruit. Medium to full-bodied, with good acidity but not the weight and overall headiness and complexity of the 2002, nevertheless it is still a stunning California Chardonnay to drink over the next 2-3 years. Tel. (707) 944-2877; Fax (707) 944-9454
About the producer
The site of Shafer has been around since 1880, and grapes continued to be grown here, even during prohibition. It is said that some wine was made here during that time. In 1972, John Shafer bought the property in the Stag’s Leap district, he immediately began planting the Cabernet on the hillside.