94/100 Antonio Galloni

The Shafer Chardonnay Red Shoulder Ranch is a beautiful wine. Soft, creamy and layered in the glass, possesses superb balance from the outset. Lees stirring brings out creaminess and resonance, yet retains terrific energy to match its mid-weight personality. This is very nicely done.

93/100 Points Robert Parker:

Shafer’s 2023 Chardonnay Red Shoulder Ranch was bottled in July 2024 and was released in September. It’s a distinctive style that eschews malolactic fermentation and marries barrel fermentation and maturation in new French oak (40%) with stainless steel drums (60%). Marked by bright pineapple and lime aromas, this full-bodied effort comes across as ripe and succulent while being fresh and zesty at the same time, with a lingering, citrusy finish.

93/100 Wine Enthusiast

Intriguing and attractive, this Chardonnay balances rich flavors with mouthwatering length for a succulent and enticing wine. Aromas and flavors of ripe white nectarine, peach, apple skin and pithy accents of white and pink grapefruit join with well-integrated spices.