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.

The 2003 Merlot was performing beautifully out of bottle. An elegant blend of 85% Merlot and nearly equal portions of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, it possesses a refined deep ruby/purple color along with scents of berry fruit, sweet cherries, and hints of smoke and mocha. Drink this lovely Merlot over the next 6-7 years. Shafer Vineyards, one of the most impeccably run wineries in the world, is a wonderful family operation that deserves all the success they have earned.

Rating: 90/100 - As reviewed by The Wine Advocate.