Shafer TD-9 2022

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. Drink Date: 2025 - 2035

Wine Advocate 91p

This lets copious boysenberry and blackberry puree notes glide through, while melted licorice, sweet toast and warmed fruitcake accents fill in through the generous finish. A crowd-pleasing style. Drink now through 2031.

Wine Spectator 91p

The TD-9 has beautifully youthful primary fruits, boysenberry, dusty minerals, iron stone, and cedar plank notes, along with leather, dried herbs, and cocoa powder. Medium to full-bodied and loaded with rich red volcanic, sanguine mineral character, pure ruby red fruits of cherry, cranberry, and pomegranate. Textured tannins are crisp and woven into long chains. All that minerality fuels a refreshing finish. Historically, this wine was Merlot-based, and with this vintage, they have reversed it. Cabernet Sauvignon is the dominant varietal at 76% with 11% Merlot, 10% Petit Verdot, and 3% Malbec aged 20 months in 100% new French oak. The winery considers this its entry-level wine. The 2021 releases mark Elias Fernandez's 38th vintage as winemaker. He was hired by John Shafer in 1984, two weeks out of UC Davis. Drinking Window: 2024 - 2034

Decanter 94p