Reviews
-James Suckling -
-Jeb Dunnuck -
-Decanter -
-Wine Spectator -
-Vinous -
-Robert Parker's Wine Advocate -
Technical Details
- 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Merlot, 7% Malbec, 7% Petit Verdot
- Elias Fernandez
- US
- California
- North Coast
- Napa Valley
- Estate vineyards in Napa Valley's Southern Foothills just south of Stags Leap District and select Napa Valley sites
- Napa Green Certified & Fish Friendly Farming
- 100% new French oak barrels
- 18 months
- 15.3%
- 9,000 cases
Shafer Cabernet Sauvignon TD-9 Napa Valley 2023
Napa Green Certified & Fish Friendly Farming
Multi-Bottle Discount
$68.76 on 2+ bottles!
5% OFF RETAIL!
The TD-9 takes its name from the beat-up tractor that started the whole Shafer story back in the '70s. We happen to believe the 2023 is the best one yet – 95 points, born of a banner California vintage. For under $80, it’s a considerable steal… especially when you bake in free shipping on 2 or more bottles!
If you know Shafer, you know they don't miss. Robert Parker once called them one of the greatest wineries on the planet, and under Doug Shafer – carrying forward the vision his father John set in motion when he planted Cabernet in the Stag's Leap District in 1978 – the winery is arguably at its peak. And we must say, this new vintage of TD-9 makes the case all on its own.
"Year in year out, this is one of the superstar wineries, not only in Napa Valley and all of California, but in the entire world." – Robert Parker, Jr.
The TD-9 came about after John Shafer hung up his corporate hat in Chicago in 1973, bought some property in Napa, and taught himself how to raise grapevines with his first inherited tractor: a 1950s-era TD-9 International Harvester. A champion, a workhorse, a symbol of perseverance and adventuresome spirit – the tractor and the wine share many of the same qualities. John’s zealous change of career, industry, and lifestyle at nearly 50 years old has led to some pretty incredible outcomes, this wine being just one of many.
The 2023 is the strongest TD-9 we've tasted, and it earned a 95-point score from a vintage California growers are calling one of the best in years. Expect a glassful of red and black cherry, cassis and cranberry, layered with dark berry, graphite, a lift of florals, and a dusting of cocoa. The blend runs 75% Cabernet Sauvignon rounded out with 11% Merlot, 7% Malbec, and 7% Petit Verdot, all aged in new French oak by longtime winemaker Elias Fernandez. It's polished and beautifully structured but already a joy to drink. For under $80, with free shipping on 2, it's an easy call! We never have as much Shafer as we’d like, though, so move quickly!
FOOD PAIRINGS: Beef barbacoa tacos – with meat that’s been braised low and slow until it shreds with a fork. Pile on some onion, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.