Shafer TD-9 2018 is a wine that pays homage to the audacious spirit of John Shafer, the founder of Shafer Vineyards. In 1973, with no prior experience in viticulture or winemaking, John Shafer made a daring leap into the world of wine, trading his morning commuter trains in Chicago for the Napa Valley vineyards, where he taught himself to drive a TD-9 tractor. This bold move and the spirit of risk-taking continue to guide Shafer Vineyards today, serving as the inspiration for this remarkable wine.

Crafted by acclaimed winemaker Elias Fernandez, Shafer TD-9 2018 is a proprietary blend that captures the essence of the Napa Valley. The vineyards are situated in the Ridgetop and foothills sites along the Vaca Mountains, just south of the renowned Stags Leap District. The 2018 growing season blessed the vineyards with a lengthy, cool, and steady summer, allowing the fruit to ripen slowly, resulting in a wine with bold color, enticing aromas, and vivid, complex flavors.

This aromatic feast begins with an enticing bouquet of summer berries, rose petals, rhubarb, raspberry, and black cherry jam. The mouthfeel is a burst of juicy, briary red and black berry fruit, exuding spice and energy. The wine’s structure is upheld by ripe tannins, leading to a long, plush finish that lingers on the palate.

The critical acclaim for Shafer TD-9 2018 further solidifies its excellence. Wine Enthusiast awards it an impressive 92 points, praising its intense full-bodied nature and structured feel, with aromatic tones of rose and raspberry interwoven with cedar, tobacco leaf, iron, and crushed rock.

Wine Advocate, bestowing 91 points, describes it as a medium to deep garnet-purple wine, showcasing expressive notes of blueberry compote, mulberries, and plum preserves. Nuances of potpourri, dried Provence herbs, and tar add complexity to the palate. The lively backbone and rounded tannins create a perfect tension, while an enticing herbal lift adorns the finish.

Jeb Dunnuck joins the chorus of acclaim with 93 points, celebrating the wine’s balanced and charming nature. Lively red and blue fruits, accompanied by scorched earth, graphite, and licorice, dance on the nose and palate. The medium to full-bodied elegance and streamlined focus embody the style of the 2018 vintage, promising a graceful evolution over the next 10-12 years.

Concluding the praise, James Suckling commends the wine’s meaty nose, featuring grilled plums, smoke, tapenade, and dried leaves. Medium to full-bodied with firm, chewy tannins, it offers a broad and flavorful experience, culminating in a distinctively savory and saline finish.

Shafer TD-9 2018, with its captivating blend of 56% Merlot, 23% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 21% Malbec, is an extraordinary wine that showcases the pioneering spirit of Shafer Vineyards and the remarkable talents of winemaker Elias Fernandez. Savour this wine now or allow it to evolve further, as it promises an unforgettable experience.