{"product_id":"shafer-merlot-napa-valley-2023","title":"Shafer Merlot Napa Valley 2023","description":"\u003cp\u003eFounded 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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"First Bottle","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53285685756201,"sku":"1015616","price":99.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0793\/2706\/8457\/files\/Shafer_MER23_NV_1015616_FB_Rack.jpg?v=1787872674","url":"https:\/\/firstbottlewines.com\/products\/shafer-merlot-napa-valley-2023","provider":"First Bottle Wines","version":"1.0","type":"link"}