Shafer Chardonnay Napa Valley Carneros Red Shoulder Ranch 2018

93 points and ‘Very highly recommended,’ California Grapevine: “Medium-light golden yellow; very attractive, fragrant, pineapple, and stone fruit aroma with tropical notes and hints of honeysuckle and lemon zest; medium-full body; elegant, nicely balanced, tropical and stone fruit flavors with a mineral note, bright acidity, and a rich, pleasing mouthfeel; lingering aftertaste. Should benefit from a few more years of bottle aging. 14.9% alcohol; 75% barrel fermented; 0% malolactic fermentation; released March 2020. (May 2020)”

Producer notes: “This 25th vintage of our Chardonnay offers abundant, exotic aromas and flavors of citrus blossom, apricot, pineapple, grapefruit zest, and honeydew melon all held together with seamless structure, elegant balance, and energy that comes from pure, clean acidity. Fermentation: Whole-cluster pressed and fermented with wild yeast in individual barrels (75% oak, 25% stainless steel); 0% malolactic fermentation. Cooperage: 14 months in 75% new French oak barrels (Allier, Vosges) and 25% in stainless steel barrels. Alcohol 14.9%.”