1995 Shafer Napa from Magnum

[winoweenie]

This was anopther orphan from my cellar. Had loads of trepidastion before this was opened so took another bottle just in case. No need! This sang in high C. Nice medium ruby with no bricking. Violets, roses, sweet spices and a tad of vanilla all hit the schnozz. Palate was filled with the above and definative notes of cinnamon and sugar-cane. Soft entry, medium center and a 3&3/4ths lapper finish. Not a tannin in a trainload. Delightful surprise for a Thurs lunch. 90/93. 55 by the Mag. 13.5% alc. WW

[Bucko]

Shafer is definitely a fine house. I tend to be a Europhile, but I enjoy Shafer.

[TheEngineer]

WW, why were you worried about this particular bottle?

[winoweenie]

Mainly because, with the exception of Duckhorn, American Merlots are not known for growing too long a beard. I think the format saved this as a 750 would drfinately have been DOA. WW

[TheEngineer]

Thanks WW. good learnings!