2022 TD-9

The 2022 TD-9 checks in as 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot, 4% Malbec, and the rest Petit Verdot. It has a juicy, lively, medium to full-bodied style to go with pretty red and black fruits, some spicy wood and floral notes, fine tannins, and a great finish. (01/2025)

The 2022 TD-9 is composed of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot, 4% Malbec, and 3% Petit Verdot. Sporting a deep garnet-purple color, notes of crème de cassis, prunes, and blueberry preserves jump from the glass, giving way to touches of candied violets, Chinese five spice, and incense. The full-bodied palate offers nicely managed, approachable tannins with a lively line cutting through the rich black fruit preserves flavors, finishing with a perfumed lift. (01/2025)

Named for the tractor acquired with the original property in 1973, Shafer's 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon TD-9 blends fruit from the estate with purchased fruit to provide an entry-level Cabernet Sauvignon. A blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot, 4% Malbec and 3% Petit Verdot, aged in 100% new French oak, it does offer plenty of vanilla and spice shadings to balance the cherry fruit. Full-bodied and velvety-textured, it offers plenty of pleasure for what amounts to a fair price within the Napa scheme of things. With more than 10,000 cases produced, it should be widely available at steakhouses and retail.

- Joe Czerwinski (10/2024)