Wine Spectator:  Rated as Outstanding: a wine of superior character and style.  "Clean, crisp and flinty, with green apple, lime, quince and spicy hazelnut notes that are pure and focused, gaining depth on the finish.  Drink now through 2012."  Jun 2009

Robert Parker, Jr.-Wine Advocate:  Rated as An outstanding wine of exceptional complexity and character. "The non-malolactic barrel-fermented, green/gold-colored 2007 Chardonnay Red Shoulder Ranch offers loads of tropical fruit, pear, and honeysuckle characteristics in its full-bodied personality. The oak component has been downplayed over recent vintages, and the wine is all the better for it, displaying gorgeously pure fruit. It should drink nicely from 2009-2013.  This family-owned winery routinely fashions exceptional wines from their Stags Leap vineyards. Moreover, they have long been the reference point for what can be achieved in Stags Leap. My highest compliments to this great winery." Dec 2009

Winery:  “Floral and white fruit aromas give way to flavors of tangerine blossom, honeydew melon, exotic spice, and apricot, all held together with bright acidity, good structure and elegant balance.”

Wired For Wine:  A little brother to Stags Leap fame, this shockingly delicious Shafer Vineyards Red Shoulder Ranch Chardonnay is not one you'll want to miss.  Because the oak is so wonderfully subtle, the "gorgeously pure fruit" cannot help but shine.  Mainly white fruit from pear to green apple, with heavenly touches of quince, lime and apricot all join forces with floral notes and a hint of seductive spice to weave a truly memorable, full-bodied Chardonnay.  Climb aboard winelovers, it's going to be a  delectable ride.  This Shafer Chardonnay will pair beautifully with chicken, anything from the sea, fish, and vegetables.  Open your first crisp, clean bottle, and wow the crowd right out of the gate by serving a huge platter of Alaskan King Crab legs.   The bright acidity of this Red Shoulder Ranch will be perfect opposite the melted butter and garlic aioli for dipping...  Moving on, if you'd like to serve a pasta course, we love the floral nuances in this California Chardonnay opposite the briny tang of spaghetti tossed with cauliflower, green olives and toasted almonds.  Be sure to have a good quality Parmesan to sprinkle over the top.  More fish?  No problem.  How about grilled wild salmon served with a potato rosti cake, drizzled with a sweet pea-wasabi sauce (easy on the fire factor)?  In the mood for simple?  A crisp-skinned rotisserie chicken dressed with a lemon-brown butter emulsion with some glazed baby carrots on the side will be like finding this Shafer's long-lost best friend...  Take a short break, and then come back to another chilled glass with a room temperature brie cheese, preferably one on the milder, more buttery side.  And they all lived happily ever after...

Size:  750ml
Varietal:  100% Chardonnay
Alcohol:  14.9%
Ageing:   14 months in 75% new oak barrels (85%  French and 15% American)
Region:   Sonoma-Napa (spans both counties), California