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Reviews

93 -James Suckling -

93 -Jeb Dunnuck -

93 -Wine Spectator -

92 -Vinous -

90 -Robert Parker's Wine Advocate -

Technical Details

  • Blend 90% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Malbec
  • Winemaker Elias Fernandez
  • Country US
  • Region California
  • Sub Region North Coast
  • Appellation Napa Valley
  • Vineyard Shafer's Southern Foothills vineyards located on the rugged lower slopes of Napa Valley's eastern Vaca Mountains
  • Farming Method Napa Green Certified & Fish Friendly Farming
  • Oak 100% new French oak barrels
  • Aging / Cooperage 18 months
  • Alcohol 15.3%

Shafer Merlot Napa Valley 2023

Merlot | California

JS93, JD93, WS93, VN92, WA90

Napa Green Certified & Fish Friendly Farming

Multi-Bottle Discount

$74.97 on 2+ bottles!

$99.95

750ML

Founded in 1972 by John Shafer in the Stags Leap District, Shafer Vineyards has been one of Napa Valley's most consistent and quietly excellent estates for over five decades, with longtime winemaker Elias Fernandez at the helm since 1984. The 2023 Merlot is a blend of roughly 85 to 90% Merlot with Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec filling out the balance, aged for an average of 20 months in 75% new French oak, with the barrel cellar carved into the hillside behind the winery and lined in stainless steel to minimize TCA. The 2023 vintage produced a Merlot with abundant layers of red plum, dark cherry, and raspberry, lifted by violet and lavender florals, with notes of vanilla, baking spice, and cherry pie adding richness, while cranberry and subtle herbs bring vibrant freshness, and seamlessly integrated tannins carry through to a long, graceful finish.

About The Producer

Pioneers of the Stags Leap District, this father-son duo, alongside their long-time winemaker, have crafted age-worthy Cabernet Sauvignons (and other notable wines) that have cemented their legend as one of Napa’s OG “cult” wineries.