Shafer TD-9 Red Blend

TD-9 is a proprietary blend that celebrates a bold move. In 1973, in the space of a few months, John Shafer went from riding morning commuter trains in Chicago to teaching himself to drive a TD-9 tractor in our Napa Valley vineyard. He'd never grown grapes or made wine in his life. That spirit of risk-taking and adventure still guides Shafer today and inspired the creation of this new wine.

Winemaker's Notes:

“This juicy red blend is loaded with vivid summer fruit—red plum, red cherry, black cherry, and strawberry — along with rhubarb, spice, and red licorice. All this tantalizing freshness comes with energy and ripe tannins for a long, luscious finish.”

Vineyard Locations: Stags Leap District, Yountville, and a vineyard in the foothills of the Vaca Mountains just south of Stags Leap District.

The 2017 Growing Season: A lengthy, warm summer allowed the fruit to hang in near ideal conditions for a long, long time producing clusters of fruit with vivid color, unrivaled flavors, and enticing aromas.

Reviews:

“The 2017 TD-9 is juicy, expressive, and pliant, with soft edges that seem to push the fruit forward. Succulent and racy in style, the 2017 should drink well right out of the gate.”

— Antonio Galloni, Vinous

“Delightful nose, deep, rich and vibrant, with black cherries, blackberries, topped with scorched earth, graphite, and coffee. Full but smooth, suave and velvety tannins, but vibrant acidity, which keeps it lively. Pretty plum, currant and cherry fruit, with violets, earth, and coffee. Complex, structured, deep, but also lively and downright fun to drink. This is delicious now but also could improve over the next handful of years.”

— Issac James Baker, Terroirist.com