Shafer Vineyards TD-9 2017
The Shafer Vineyards TD-9 is a proprietary red wine blend that celebrates a bold move. In 1973, in the space of a few months, John Shafer went from riding morning commuter trains in Chicago to teaching himself to drive a TD-9 tractor in a Napa Valley vineyard. He’d never grown grapes or made wine in his life. That spirit of risk-taking and adventure still guides Shafer today and inspired the creation of this new wine. TD-9 represents an evolution of Shafer Vineyards Merlot, which has been a cornerstone of their range for 30 years. The birth of TD-9 was an early morning conversation during the 2015 harvest when Doug Shafer and long-standing winemaker, Elias Fernandez, were discussing the Merlot and other fruit from a cluster of small Shafer vineyards just south of Stags Leap District. “You do realise that we could make a much better wine if we could make a red blend” suggested Elias – referring to the mix of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec fruit on the property. They slept on the idea and soon decided that if they could make a more profound wine, the way forward was clear. As anticipated, TD-9 was indeed finer and more complex than previously, whilst retaining the joyous, plush, generous fruit which characterised their varietal Merlot. 56% Merlot, 28% Cabernet Sauvignon and 16% Malbec from Stags Leap District, Yountville and a vineyard in the Vaca Mountains, just south of Stags Leap District. Aged for 20 months in a combination of Allier and Troncais barrels (100% new).
Wine File
The Producer Shafer Vineyards | California
"One of the world's greatest wineries" - Robert Parker
Founded in 1978, Shafer Vineyards is situated in the Stags Leap District of Napa Valley, east of the Silverado Trail and just north of the town of Napa. Although their main focus...
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Shafer Vineyards TD-9 2017
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The Region North America | California
California is the most important wine region in North America and was the first New World region to be recognised internationally as a source of top-quality wines. It produces some of the world’s greatest Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot and Zinfandel wines. There are over 107 American Viticultural...
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The Primary Grape Wine By Grape Variety | Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon is a well known grape variety used to great effect in Bordeaux, France where it is vitally important to the classic wines of the Médoc. Here it is blended alongside Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Merlot to produce truly world-class wines. Cabernet...
The Primary Grape Wine By Grape Variety | Merlot
Merlot is a very popular red wine grape variety with big red and black fruit flavours of raspberries, ripe strawberries, plum and blackberry, giving the wine a softer taste. It is invaluable in the production or red wines from Bordeaux, particularly...