• "Wine of the Week"
• Cabernets and Blends
• Merlots and Syrahs
• Other Reds
• White Wines
• Miscellaneous

Rob's "Wine of the Week" Archives

So here is my wine review for the week of July 10th, 2006...

SHAFER MERLOT 2003

Description: Shafer is one of those Napa wineries with an amazing reputation and a price tag to match. They are renowned for their cabs, but all of their reds are supposed to be world class. Their merlot is more accessible.

How to Get it: Shafer is an upper end wine, found at wine specialty stores, on-line, in great restaurants and via the winery. I had this bottle at Peppoli Italian restaurant at Spanish Bay in Monterey.

How Much: At Peppoli, it was $90…around $40 retail.

My Thoughts: This wine definitely lives up to the "Shafer" name and is a great Merlot for people who love the full body of cabernet, but aren't big fans of the bite/finish. This merlot is full-bodied yet easily drinkable. It's got a great smooth finish and presents flavors of vanilla and even a little cinnamon to accompany its great berry base.

Overall Score: As I have said many times, any time you charge more than $30 for a bottle of merlot, it had best blow you away and this bottle got the attention of the table. 4 ½ vines.

Shafer Merlot 2003 =