Pull the cork on any bottle of Shafer Merlot and you will find a forward, stylish Merlot that takes center stage with all its appealing varietal fruit, not a Merlot that plays understudy to a Cabernet Sauvignon. Only small percentages of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon are blended in to complement, but not overshadow, the Merlot itself. Taking advantage of the site-specific nature of this varietal, Shafer`s Merlot draws its grapes from selected vineyards throughout the Napa Valley, gaining complexity from the vineyard diversity. It is aged in French oak barrels for 18 months.

Wine maker notes

This richly aromatic, elegant wine comes with layer upon juicy layer of lush red and black jam fruits – cherry, plum, currant – and dark chocolate, black tea, smoke and spice. The tannins are ripe and smooth with a finish that takes its time letting you go.

Technical notes

Release Date: September 1, 2009 Vineyard Locations: Foothills just south of Stags Leap District and Yountville 2007 Growing Season: This stellar vintage started with a dry, warm spring leading to an early budbreak. The summer that followed offered one long, cool, fruit-loving day after another that allowed the clusters to ripen at a leisurely pace. The resulting wine offers classic, luscious Merlot fruit and tantalizing aromas. Varietal Composition: 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon Brix at Harvest: 23.5° – 25.5° Alcohol: 14.9% Cooperage: 20 months in 60-gallon French oak barrels (75% new: Vosage, Allier, and Tronçais)

Food pairing

Flatter Merlot’s fruit by adding a similar element of fruit to poultry, pork and meat dishes (duck breast with dried cherry-Merlot sauce, roast chicken with cranberry-wild rice stuffing). Carmelized onions, roasted garlic and mushrooms are pleasant companions.