2023 Red Shoulder Ranch Chardonnay

The 2023 Chardonnay Red Shoulder Ranch shows a more elegant, Chablis-like vibe compared to prior vintages and offers up a terrific nose of ripe citrus, spice, honeysuckle, and subtle tropical nuances. These all carry to a medium-bodied, lively, vibrant Chardonnay that has good mid-palate depth, integrated yet notable acidity, and a great finish. I love it today, yet it should have a decade of longevity, if not more. (01/2025)

Juicy pears, fresh apricots, and apple tart scents sail from the glass of the 2022 Red Shoulder Ranch Chardonnay, followed by nuances of cedar, honey toast, and nutmeg. Full-bodied, the palate has a lovely satiny texture and beautifully knit freshness supporting the generous orchard fruit flavors, finishing long and spicy. (01/2025)

Shafer's 2023 Chardonnay Red Shoulder Ranch was bottled in July 2024 and was released in September. It's a distinctive style that eschews malolactic fermentation and marries barrel fermentation and maturation in new French oak (40%) with stainless steel drums (60%). Marked by bright pineapple and lime aromas, this full-bodied effort comes across as ripe and succulent while being fresh and zesty at the same time, with a lingering, citrusy finish.

- Joe Czerwinski (10/2024)