2001 Shafer Merlot Napa Valley
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Tasting notes
The 2001 Merlot is the best regular Merlot I have tasted from Shafer, an elegant, medium-bodied, restrained, but attractively styled wine with loads of licorice and berry fruit and a hint of mocha coffee bean. Luscious, sexy and understated, this is a beauty to drink over the next 5-7 years. Tel. (707) 944-2877; Fax (707) 944-9454
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Deep red-ruby. Red berries, exotic spices, violet, coffee, cola and smoky oak on the nose. Sweet, supple and nicely concentrated, with sappy raspberry flavor enlivened by ripe acids. Delicious, fruit-driven merlot. Finishes bright and persistent, with ripe tannins and a note of chocolate.
Very sweet and opulent and enhanced by its small proportion of Cabernets Sauvignon and Franc. Dangerously easy to swallow and well balanced for its high alcohol level – 14.7 according to the label. This looks very smart but I wouldn't cellar it for too long. Much, much better than most Californian Merlot. (JR)
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.