6 Reasons to Sneak Away From Lab For Lunch: Tasting Notes on Wines from Shafer Vineyards

Some lunches are good, others just OK. Today’s lunch was, well..outstanding.

I was invited by a friend (thanks Dae!) to join in on a tasting at Kali’s Court in Fells Point. The wines being poured were all from the California producer, Shafer, which are represented locally by Bacchus. This was quite the treat as Shafer is one of California’s premier producers. Located in Napa Valley’s Stag Leap District, Shafer produces some of the most highly sought-after California wines (especially their “Hillside Select” Cabernet). Overall, I was thoroughly impressed with the wines. Although they aren’t priced to be daily drinkers, these wines (with the exception of the Merlot) are worth their price and are a provide value for a special occasion.

Without further ado, the tasting notes:

2006 Red Shoulder Ranch Chardonnay - $40: Grapefruit, vanilla and pear on the nose. Initially on the palate there is mouth puckering citrus notes and acidity, that gives way to an interesting banana peel flavor. Good balance, complexity on the finish. This is a great example of a “not too oaky” Chardonnay for the people who claim to “not like Chardonnay because it’s too okay!”:My rating: 92 pts, GV

2005 Shafer Merlot - $50: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet France. Plums , spice, smoke and candied fruits on the nose. Real tightly wound fruits nice earth notes, but not enough structure for long-term aging. This one is a pass for me, especially at the price. My rating: 86 pts, PV

2005 One Point Five Cabernet/Petit Verdot Blend -$75: This is a 98% Cabernet, 2% Petit Verdot. Bright yet deep purple color with a very attractive nose of blackberry, cassis, very subtle sweet tobacco notes. The first thing that hit me was the acidity which was big yet balanced. Notes of wet soil, spice, and a serious mouthful of black fruits yet elegant tannins at its young age. Hold for at least 5 years - this one rivals some of the better left bank Bordeaux’s that I’ve had recently.  My rating: 93 pts, CV

2004 Shafer Relentless - $70: 76% Syrah, 24% Petit Sirah. Brilliant dark purple color. Huge compilation of dark fruits on the nose with a touch of smokiness and very subtle pepper notes. This is a giant wine- buttery/vanilla notes but not overbearing. Really impressive structure that should keep this wine aging like a supermodel. Long, tongue coating with creaminess finish. Relentless on the wallet? Maybe. Relentless in its ability to bring you back for more. Definitely. My rating: 93 pts, CV

1999 Shafer Hillside Select - $350: Was very excited to try this again. The nose is packed with ripe, black fruits, cedar, and subtle mineral notes. Blueberry grips the palate giving way to currant, dark raspberry, vanilla and tobacco notes. The wine is just arriving to the party- drinking great right now as the fruit is really starting to emerge and take center stage. I’d expect this to peak in 2011-2013, but have enough structure to last another 10 years or more. Hands down one of the best California Cabernet’s I’ve had. Just a nice, balanced wine with big fruit, good depth and complexity. If you’re offered a chance to try this, or can afford the bottle, it’s a must-try. My rating: 96+ pts, CV

2003 Shafer Hillside Select - $200: Quite a different wine than the 1999. Concentrated dark fruits, cola, licorice and raspberry on the nose with hints of dried herbs. More buttery on the palate with toasted vanilla notes wrapped around blackberry and currant. Big acidity that is well balanced. This wine hasn’t even left home to head to the party. With time (or a long, serious decant) this may rival the 1999, in my opinion. An outstanding wine with many great years ahead of it. My rating: 94 pts, CV