1997 Napa Valley Merlot
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Tasting notes
Tasting notes
Score 90/100 · Drink 2012, Robert Parker, Jan 2000
There is good availability (10,000 cases produced) of the outstanding 1997 Merlot (75% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon). It exhibits copious quantities of cedar, coffee, plum, and black cherry/cassis fruit. The texture is fleshy and open-knit, with gobs of ripeness. Drink this medium-bodied, lush, pure Merlot over the next 10-12 years. Tel. (707) 944-2877; fax (707) 944-9454
Critic scores
Critic scores
90
90/100
Robert Parker
About the producer
Shafer Vineyards
The site of Shafer has been around since 1880, and grapes continued to be grown here, even during prohibition. It is said that some wine was made here during that time. In 1972, John Shafer bought the property in the Stag’s Leap district, he immediately began planting the Cabernet on the hillside.
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