Pull the cork on a Shafer Merlot and you'll find a sleek, stylish wine that takes center stage with all its appealing varietal fruit, not a Merlot that plays understudy to a Cabernet Sauvignon. Gaining complexity from its diverse vineyard sources, this Merlot draws its grapes from selected vineyards throughout the Napa Valley. Blended with small amounts of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon and aged in French oak, it serves up forward plum and black cherry fruit flavors and a supple texture.