SMOOTH & SUCCULENT. Perfumed aromas of dark fruit push out of the glass, before filling the mouth with opulent flavors of red and black berry fruit, licorice, spice, pepper, strawberry and plum. This balanced Merlot is a wonderful food wine.

100% Merlot

It was the lure of wine country farming that inspired John Shafer in 1972 to make a career change, leaving behind 23 years of corporate experience to begin work in a new field. And in the fields, or rather the vineyards, is exactly where John began his new career. Adopting a hands-on approach from day one, John could be seen throughout the mid-70s riding on his tractor as he tilled the soil of his family's new estate in the foothills of the Stags Leap Palisades. Spearheading a family effort, John sets the tone for Shafer Vineyards through his casual style. A visitor to the winery will most often encounter John striding through the winery, clad in blue jeans and boots with Tucker, the family dog, in tow.