Wine Enthusiast – 95 points
This full-bodied and beautifully balanced wine is powered by energized fruit acidity. Vivid green-apple and lemon zest flavors, and a snappy finish. Subtle oak notes remain secondary. Fermented in both oak barrels and stainless steel, and matured without malolactic conversion, the wine is super refreshing, clean and mouthwatering. Mar/2023 —Jim Gordon | wineenthusiast.com
Jeb Dunnuck – 94 Points
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 Feb/2023 —Jeb Dunnuck | jebdunnuck.com
Wine Advocate – 93 points
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. Best After 2023. Mar/2023 —Joe Czerwinski | robertparker.com
Wine Spectator – 93 points
Impressive, this white starts off broad, with a generous mix of salted ripe melon, citrus and stone fruit flavors, but then focuses on a sleek, juicy core, revealing snappy acidity and crushed rock on the finish. Jun/2023 —MaryAnn Worobiec | winespectator.com
Description
SHAFER Chardonnay Red Shoulder Ranch is a prestigious and highly regarded wine from the renowned Shafer Vineyards in the Carneros region of California. With a commitment to excellence, this Chardonnay showcases the unique characteristics of its terroir. Its golden hue and inviting aromas of tropical fruits, citrus, and vanilla entice the senses. On the palate, it delivers a harmonious balance of richness and acidity, revealing flavors of ripe apple, pear, and subtle spice. The wine’s careful fermentation in oak barrels and stainless steel tanks adds complexity while preserving its freshness. The finish is long and elegant, leaving a lasting impression.
SHAFER Chardonnay Red Shoulder Ranch has garnered acclaim for its exceptional quality and serves as a testament to the vineyard’s dedication to producing outstanding wines. It is a must-try for Chardonnay enthusiasts seeking a refined and memorable wine experience.
Shafer Vineyards, nestled in the Stags Leap District of Napa Valley, has earned its place among California’s most esteemed wineries through a history marked by innovation, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to producing exceptional wines. Established by John Shafer in 1972, the winery’s journey began with a vision to create world-class wines that showcase the potential of the Stags Leap District terroir.
In 1978, John’s son, Doug Shafer, took over the reins of the family estate, bringing a renewed energy and passion for winemaking. Under his leadership, Shafer Vineyards soared to new heights, particularly with the release of the iconic Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon, a wine that epitomizes the power and elegance of Stags Leap District fruit.
Shafer Vineyards embraces sustainable farming practices, showcasing a deep respect for the land and its vines. The relentless pursuit of quality extends from the vineyards to the state-of-the-art winery, where meticulous attention to detail defines every step of the winemaking process.
Hillside Select quickly garnered acclaim, solidifying Shafer Vineyards’ status as a Napa Valley icon. Over the years, the winery expanded its portfolio to include other notable wines, such as the Red Shoulder Ranch Chardonnay and the Relentless Syrah. Shafer Vineyards’ legacy is not just in the wines it produces but in its enduring commitment to excellence, innovation, and a genuine love for the craft of winemaking. Today, the Shafer family’s legacy continues with the third generation, ensuring that each bottle reflects the passion and precision that define Shafer Vineyards.
Wine Advocate (WA)
Influential Wine Criticism for Global Wine Lovers
Founded in 1978 by Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate revolutionized the wine industry with its adoption of the 100-point scoring system. It quickly became the most influential source of wine ratings globally, especially for Bordeaux, Rhône, and California wines. Parker’s precise palate and fearless opinions gained him a loyal readership. Today, under the editorial leadership of Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW and a team of regional specialists like Joe Czerwinski and William Kelley, the publication continues to deliver deeply researched, blind-tasted reviews with global reach. It remains subscription-based and independent, with over 30,000 wines reviewed each year.
Wine Spectator (WS)
America’s Leading Wine Magazine and Rating Publication
Wine Spectator has been a staple of the wine world since its founding in 1976 by Bob Morrisey. Purchased shortly after by Marvin R. Shanken, the publication grew into the most widely read wine magazine in the U.S. It is known for its blind tastings, detailed vintage charts, consumer-focused reviews, and accessible scoring system. Its famous “Top 100 Wines” list each year influences buying trends across the industry. With a team of dedicated critics covering nearly every wine-producing region on Earth, Wine Spectator remains a trusted name for both collectors and casual drinkers alike, reaching millions in both print and digital formats.
James Suckling (JS)
Global Critic Known for Rapid Reviews and Bold Ratings
James Suckling spent nearly three decades at Wine Spectator, serving as Senior Editor and European Bureau Chief, before launching his own platform in 2010. Renowned for his fast-paced review style, Suckling and his team rate more than 25,000 wines annually from all over the world — with a strong focus on Italy, Bordeaux, Napa Valley, and Chile. His reviews are direct and generous, often accompanied by tasting videos and interviews with winemakers. Suckling also hosts large-scale tasting events around the globe and maintains strong influence on luxury wine buying in Asia, particularly Hong Kong and China.
Wine Enthusiast (WE)
Wine Ratings, Lifestyle, and Buying Guide
Since 1979, Wine Enthusiast has published wine reviews, buying guides, and lifestyle content for both entry-level drinkers and experienced collectors. The magazine evaluates thousands of wines annually using a 100-point scale and offers detailed, easy-to-understand tasting notes. Its team includes regional editors specializing in North America, Europe, and the Southern Hemisphere. Wine Enthusiast also provides wine accessories and hosts wine events. It’s known for its strong online presence and educational tone, making it one of the most accessible and widely read wine publications in the United States.
The Wine Independent (TWI)
Subscription-Based, Critically-Researched Wine Analysis
Founded in 2021 by former Wine Advocate editor-in-chief Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW and wine photographer Johan Berglund, The Wine Independent emphasizes transparency, independence, and long-form, in-depth critical reviews. It operates on a subscription-only model and maintains no advertising relationships, ensuring its opinions are entirely editorial and not influenced by wineries or sponsors. Their reviews, primarily focused on Bordeaux, Napa Valley, and Champagne, feature detailed tasting notes and region-specific insights, and the site aims to be a trusted source for high-end collectors and trade professionals.
Burghound (BH)
Burgundy Expertise and Global Pinot Noir Specialist
Allen Meadows launched Burghound.com in 2001 after a successful career in finance and years of deep study into the wines of Burgundy. His quarterly reports are considered the gold standard for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, especially from France and Oregon. Burghound is highly regarded for its vintage retrospectives, producer profiles, and strict scoring discipline. Meadows is known for revisiting wines across vintages to track aging and performance, providing valuable data for serious collectors and enthusiasts alike.
Connoisseur’s Guide to California Wine (CGCW)
Decades of California-Centric Ratings and Commentary
Founded in 1974 by Charles Olken, the Connoisseur’s Guide to California Wine was one of the first American wine publications dedicated exclusively to California wines. It employs a star-based rating system rather than numerical scores, offering short, consumer-friendly reviews with strong editorial consistency. It reviews wines monthly and is particularly noted for its fair treatment of smaller wineries, as well as for educational columns that provide insight into varietals, regions, and vintage perspectives.
Wine & Spirits (W&S)
Restaurant Trends, Trade Tastings, and Thoughtful Reviews
Wine & Spirits Magazine has been publishing since 1982 and is known for its blind tasting panels, sustainable producer features, and restaurant-focused wine trends. The magazine’s annual Restaurant Poll surveys top U.S. restaurants for their bestselling wines, offering unique insight into trade buying patterns. It covers both domestic and international regions with tasting panels led by respected critics, and places a strong emphasis on balanced, food-friendly wines. The publication is widely read by industry professionals, sommeliers, and wine educators.
The Tasting Panel (TP)
Trade-Oriented Publication Blending Ratings with Wine Business Insight
The Tasting Panel is a leading beverage trade magazine that reviews wine, spirits, and beer with an eye toward the business side of the industry. Edited by Meridith May, the magazine blends product ratings with distributor insights, marketing trends, and interviews with industry leaders. Its wine scores often appear in distributor portfolios and retail shelf talkers. Known for a broad palate and market-savvy commentary, The Tasting Panel holds a unique position between reviewer and trade magazine.
Vinous (VN)
Modern Multimedia Wine Criticism with a Global Reach
Vinous was launched in 2013 by Antonio Galloni, a former lead critic at The Wine Advocate. The platform combines written reviews, video content, interactive maps, and tasting notes across a global array of regions, from Barolo to California. Vinous has absorbed other major outlets like Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar, expanding its reach and credibility. With contributors like Eric Guido, Josh Raynolds, and Neal Martin, Vinous is widely respected by collectors and industry professionals.
Stephen Tanzer (ST)
Veteran Critic Known for Precise, Classic Palate
Stephen Tanzer was the publisher of the International Wine Cellar for nearly 25 years before merging with Vinous in 2014. Known for his conservative scoring style and deep knowledge of Bordeaux, Burgundy, and U.S. wines, Tanzer remains a respected contributor at Vinous. His legacy includes pioneering English-language coverage of less-celebrated wine regions and maintaining credibility with both trade professionals and collectors. Tanzer’s tasting notes are concise, technical, and valued for their consistency.
Jancis Robinson (JR)
Master of Wine and One of the Most Respected Critics Worldwide
Jancis Robinson MW is a globally recognized wine critic, journalist, and author based in the UK. She was the first person outside the wine trade to earn the Master of Wine title in 1984. Her Oxford Companion to Wine and World Atlas of Wine (co-authored with Hugh Johnson) are essential references in the industry. Robinson serves as wine advisor to the British royal cellar and is known for her scholarly yet accessible reviews and educational content at JancisRobinson.com.
Jeb Dunnuck (JD)
Former Aerospace Engineer Turned Rhône and U.S. Wine Authority
Jeb Dunnuck began his wine career writing a blog focused on the wines of the Rhône Valley and Southern France. He later joined The Wine Advocate before founding JebDunnuck.com in 2017. His publication focuses heavily on U.S. regions such as California and Washington, as well as France’s Rhône and Bordeaux. Known for a generous palate and bold tasting language, Dunnuck provides hundreds of detailed reviews per release cycle, frequently visiting producers and publishing regional deep-dives.
Decanter Magazine (D)
British Wine Authority Blending Criticism and Culture
Founded in 1975, Decanter is the UK’s oldest consumer wine publication. It has built a global reputation for thoughtful commentary, extensive blind tastings, and the annual Decanter World Wine Awards, one of the largest and most respected wine competitions. With contributors including Steven Spurrier, Jane Anson, and Andrew Jefford, Decanter provides wine education, interviews, travel features, and expert reviews. Its editorial voice reflects a balance of Old World tradition and New World curiosity.
Jane Anson (JA)
Bordeaux Specialist and Authoritative Wine Writer
Jane Anson spent nearly 20 years writing for Decanter Magazine before launching her own subscription-based platform, Inside Bordeaux. She is one of the most respected contemporary voices on Bordeaux, having authored “Inside Bordeaux” — a highly praised and scholarly reference work. Anson is noted for her deep engagement with vineyard practices, producer interviews, and regional changes. She holds a diploma from the Bordeaux Wine School and continues to publish detailed tasting reports and essays for…
Tasting Book ~ (TB)
Global Collector-Sourced Ratings and Reviews
The Tasting Book is an international digital platform that compiles wine reviews from professional critics, sommeliers, collectors, and enthusiasts around the world. Launched in Finland, it has grown to feature tens of thousands of wines with reviews from multiple perspectives. Each entry aggregates community feedback alongside professional commentary. Tasting Book is especially valued for its crowd-sourced balance and the ability to compare opinions across tasters. It is widely used by wine professionals, collectors, and auction houses.
