Long one of the Napa Valley’s star chardonnays, the Red Shoulder Ranch style is one that combines richness with freshness, which is no easy feat. But that’s the influence of the cool San Pablo Bay that looms over the Carneros region. This vintage exhibits a stunning thread of lemon crème, with an oily texture and inviting spice notes. Despite the richness, the wine maintains an appealing freshness and savory notes that make it sensational with roast chicken, cream sauces with wild mushrooms and grilled swordfish.
Shafer, Carneros (Napa Valley, California) Chardonnay 2016
By Robert Whitley