One of the most iconic Chardonnay wines produced in California, Red Shoulder Ranch Chardonnay bears the elegant imprint of its vineyard home – 68 acres that roll across the pastoral hill country of Los Carneros, a place where Napa Valley meets the northernmost rim of San Francisco Bay.

Cooled by the marine breezes off the Bay, the region has a long, steady growing season well-suited to growing superior quality Chardonnay. Shafer harvested their first fruit from this vineyard in 1994.

The vineyard is named to honor the Red-shouldered hawks who, along with other birds of prey, play a vital role in the winery’s sustainable farming practices. The local hawks and kestrels keep the population of vine-damaging gophers naturally under control so no rodent poisons are ever needed, keeping the vines and soils healthy.

The wine is 100% Chardonnay, whole-cluster pressed and fermented with wild yeast in individual barrels (75% oak, 25% stainless steel). No malolactic fermentation is allowed. Aging is 14 months in 75% new French oak barrels (Allier, Vosges) and 25% in stainless steel barrels.

Shafer Vineyards' 2023 Chardonnay Red Shoulder Ranch is a polished expression of Napa's Carneros sub-appellation. This wine presents a unique style, notably avoiding malolactic fermentation. Instead, it blends barrel fermentation and maturation in 40% new French oak with 60% stainless steel, offering a balance between freshness and richness.

James Suckling awarded this Chardonnay an impressive 96 points, describing it as "ripe, full and generous, with a full body and a big presence." He highlights its "lovely apple blossom and lemon zest aromas" alongside "juicy apple and Bartlett pear flavors." Suckling notes the wine's lively acidity and the addition of "chalky, mineral notes" that enhance its complexity.

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, through Joe Czerwinski, gave it a score of 93, appreciating its "bright pineapple and lime aromas" and its ability to be both "ripe and succulent while being fresh and zesty at the same time." The publication commends its "lingering, citrusy finish."

Antonio Galloni of Vinous also rates it at 94 points, finding it "very pretty and expressive." He notes the wine's "tangerine peel, mint, white flowers and tropical overtones," which contribute to its aromatic brightness. The blocked malolactic fermentation is credited for maintaining lively flavors, while the wine still offers "plenty of textural creaminess."

Jeb Dunnuck describes this vintage as having a "more elegant, Chablis-like vibe" compared to previous years, with a "terrific nose of ripe citrus, spice, honeysuckle, and subtle tropical nuances." He appreciates its "medium-bodied, lively, vibrant" character and predicts it could age well over a decade.

Overall, the 2023 Chardonnay Red Shoulder Ranch by Shafer Vineyards receives high praise for its balance of freshness, complexity, and potential for aging, making it a noteworthy choice for Chardonnay enthusiasts.