Shafer Merlot 2005

"The 2005 Merlot, which has 12% Cabernet Sauvignon and 8% Cabernet Franc in the blend, is a sensual, elegant style of wine. Soft, richly fruity, with notes of herb, mocha, coffee bean, and plenty of berry fruit, the wine has crisp acidity and a good finish. Drink it over the next 7-8 years..." WA 12/07

At first sight, it is dark and rich. The scent was nothing noteworthy, almost smelled bad. But the taste, oh yes. It tasted of chocolate and berries. It lingers on your tongue long enough for the earthiness of the wine to come through. Paired it with steak, lobster and grilled asparagus and it never lost its way. It enhanced the flavors of the food and the food enhanced the flavor of the wine. This is not a mass produced wine, not by a long shot.

September 2009

Blend: 86% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Cabernet Franc This Merlot comes with big scoops of red and black fruit aromas and flavors, fresh plums, sweet black cherries, currants, red licorice, a little pepper, and pleasing doses of fragrant earth, smoke, and minerality. Crisp acidity as well as an elegant bouquet of berry fruit, menthol, sweet cherries, and spice. The tremendous aromatics are followed by abundant fruit. The 2005 should drink well for a decade. Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate Barrel Sample: 88-90 Points

The 2004 Merlot is rich purple, reflecting the vintage, and offers lush, focused flavors and aromas of bright cherries, strawberry, red and black plums, and cranberry. The Cabernet Sauvignon gives the wine added strength, firm tannins and

January 2009

A blend of 75% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 10% Cabernet Franc, the lighter-styled, elegant 2004 Merlot reveals notes of berry fruit, herbs, coffee beans, and chocolate.

No written review

April 2008

Rating: 90/100 - As reviewed by Wine Spectator

Rating: 88-90 - As reviewed by The Wine Advocate in Issue 168

Rating: (88-90) - As reviewed in Wine Advocate # 168 on Dec-06

Rating: 94+ - As reviewed by International Wine Cellar

No written review

August 2008

No written review

July 2008

Rating: 99/100 - As reviewed by Wine Advocate

No written review

August 2008

Rating: 90/100 - As reviewed by The Wine Advocate