2021 Shafer 'TD-9' Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
In its first vintage as a Cabernet Sauvignon, TD-9 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.
“Year in year out, [Shafer] is one of the superstar wineries, not only in Napa Valley and all of California, but in the entire world...Today, this is a winery that does everything about as perfect as can be. They have kept their feet, heads and egos grounded, and continue to kick proverbial ass with every vintage.” – Parker In 1972 John Shafer departed his 23 year career in publishing and moved to the Napa Valley to pursue a second career in wine. Fortuitously, he found a 210 acre parcel in the Stags Leap District and set up shop. His first task at hand was that of replanting the vineyards, some of which dated back to the 1920s. The Shafer family crushed their first Cabernet in 1978 and began building their winery the next year. Needless to say, that first release became not only a benchmark but a legend in its own right. Eventually they expanded their beautiful hillside acreage and in 1983, John's son, Doug Shafer, became winemaker after graduating from U.C. Davis with a degree in enology and viticulture. Since then, Doug has stepped up to becoming the company's president and has passed the winemaking reins over to Elias Fernandez. From their somewhat modest beginnings, Shafer has blossomed into a world-class estate that is nationally and internationally renowned.
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.
Jeb Dunnuck
The first vintage where they've put Cabernet Sauvignon on the label, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon TD-9 is 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Merlot, 10% Petit Verdot, and the rest Malbec, raised all in new barrels. 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.
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. Cabernet sauvignon. Better after 2025.