2023 Shafer TD-9 Red Wine Napa Valley
TD-9 is a rich, vibrant expression of the winery’s favorite Napa Valley vineyards. The name of this Cabernet Sauvignon celebrates John Shafer’s first tractor, a TD-9 International Harvester, which he inherited with the purchase of our property and taught himself to drive in 1973 as part of the founding of the winery. 2023 displays beautiful complexity with layers of blackberry, black plum, and spice, accented by layers of tobacco, toast, and savory herbs. Both lush and energetic, this mouth-filling Cabernet Sauvignon is ripe, round, and perfectly balanced. Silky tannins provide structure and grace.
“Year in year out, [Shafer] is one of the superstar wineries, not only in Napa Valley and all of California, but in the entire world...Today, this is a winery that does everything about as perfect as can be. They have kept their feet, heads and egos grounded, and continue to kick proverbial ass with every vintage.” – Parker In 1972 John Shafer departed his 23 year career in publishing and moved to the Napa Valley to pursue a second career in wine. Fortuitously, he found a 210 acre parcel in the Stags Leap District and set up shop. His first task at hand was that of replanting the vineyards, some of which dated back to the 1920s. The Shafer family crushed their first Cabernet in 1978 and began building their winery the next year. Needless to say, that first release became not only a benchmark but a legend in its own right. Eventually they expanded their beautiful hillside acreage and in 1983, John's son, Doug Shafer, became winemaker after graduating from U.C. Davis with a degree in enology and viticulture. Since then, Doug has stepped up to becoming the company's president and has passed the winemaking reins over to Elias Fernandez. From their somewhat modest beginnings, Shafer has blossomed into a world-class estate that is nationally and internationally renowned.
Jeb Dunnuck
The 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon Td-9 is based on 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Merlot, 7% Malbec, and 7% Petit Verdot and aged 18 months in 100% new French oak. Cassis, redcurrants, leafy tobacco, and spicy wood define the aromatics, and it's medium to full-bodied, with a pure, layered mouthfeel and beautiful tannins. It shines for its purity and balance and shows outstanding length on the finish. This will keep for 20 years with ease. Drink 2025-2045
James Suckling
A classic Napa Valley cabernet that shows vivid flavors of red and black cherries on a big, broad texture and full body. Fine-grained tannins add structure and shape on the palate, as brilliant raspberry and cranberry flavors meet bold and deep blackberry and blueberry notes. Drink now or hold.