Shafer Vineyards has been the site of grape growing and commercial winemaking since 1880, during Napa Valley’s first boom as an American wine destination. When John Shafer, a Chicago publishing executive, purchased the site in 1972 and spent the decade planting the hillside estate to cabernet sauvignon, he set the stage for the winery’s ascension to greatness. Joined by his son Doug in 1983 and winemaker Elia Fernandez the following year, he launched his Hillside Select series, forging the trademark Shafer style of elegance, richness, and balance. Since then, Shafer Vineyards has been the recipient of hundreds of accolades and terrific reviews for its cuvées and has cemented its reputation as one of the Valley’s most celebrated wineries.*

The first TD-9 cabernet sauvignon is sourced from estate vineyards in Napa Valley's Southern Foothills just south of Stags Leap District and select Napa Valley sites. A blend of 76% cabernet sauvignon, 11% merlot, 10% petit verdot, and 3% malbec aged for 20 months in 60-gallon French oak barrels, it "fills the glass with irresistible aromas and flavors of fresh black cherries, black currant, red plum, thyme, rose petal, and cocoa. Lush and mouth-filling, this 2021 offers the kind of complexity and structure that ensures many years of enjoyment ahead." (winemaker notes)

Check out the press!
95 points, Wine Enthusiast:
"This TD-9 Cabernet Sauvignon, not to be confused with other TD-9 red wines, shows an amazing clarity of dark fruit. Its deep black cherries, blackberries, and touches of black olive embody classic cabernet. Beautifully integrated tannins lend a posh texture that's still bracing enough to help the wine age and improve. Best from 2026–2036." (12/31/23)

94 points, Jeb Dunnuck:
"Medium ruby/purple-hued, it has a killer nose of caramelized red and black fruits as well as lead pencil, dried flowers, and toasty oak. It's balanced, medium-to-full-bodied, and just about impossible to resist. There are roughly 10,000 cases produced, and it's a wine readers will love over the coming decade." (12/26/23)

93 points, James Suckling:
"Dried cherries, blackcurrants, chocolate, sweet licorice, anisette, and hints of moist earth on the nose. Medium-to-full-bodied, refined, and velvety with a softer, powdery tannin structure. Attractive core of ripe black fruit with a lingering finish." (1/4/24)

We are taking orders for the 2021 Shafer Vineyards TD-9 Cabernet Sauvignon now through Friday, July 5th, at 8 PM. Orders will be ready for pickup on Wednesday, July 10th at 12 PM. 

ABV: 15.3%
*adapted from winery notes