Shafer Vineyards - Chardonnay Red Shoulder Ranch 2021

Robert Parker Wine Advocate

Always an impressive bottling, the 2021 Chardonnay Red Shoulder Ranch was barrel fermented in a 75% new French oak and 25% stainless steel. Boasting fabulous aromas of lemon curd, apple, pear and pencil shavings, this non-malolactic Chardonnay is full-bodied, round and generous on the palate, then crisp and refreshing on the finish. If it's not as complex or rich as the very best Chardonnays California has to offer, it's not that far behind, and the pricing and availability (6000 cases produced) remain reasonable for a wine of this quality.

Jeb Dunnuck

The 2021 Chardonnay Red Shoulder Ranch is another winner that has a slightly fresh, more vibrant style in its lemon and citrus fruits as well as honeyed minerality and spice. Medium-bodied, balanced, and elegant, it’s going to put on weight with a year or two of bottle age and should keep through 2031.

The Wine Independent

Wine Spectator

Wine Enthusiast

This full-bodied and beautifully balanced wine is powered by energized fruit acidity, giving it a lively mouthfeel, vivid green apple and lemon zest flavors and a snappy finish, while subtle oak notes remain secondary. Fermented in oak barrels and stainless barrels, and matured without maloactic conversion, the wine is super refreshing, clean and mouth-watering and should only get more complex and smooth with time. Best from 2024-2031.