This has a lovely core of fruit with aromas of nectarines, grilled lemons and flint. The midweight, textural palate shows balanced acidity, finishing with a slight phenolic grip. Moving out of the cooler 2023 bottling, this is far more generous and open. Drink or hold.
95 points, James Suckling (Sep 2025)
For fans of Chardonnay without malolactic fermentation, Shafer's 2024 Chardonnay Red Shoulder Ranch remains a standard-bearer. Ripe pineapple, pear and honeysuckle mark the nose, while the full-bodied palate is loaded with opulent mango fruit that's expansive and lush but brought back into focus on the crisp citrus-and-green-apple finish.
94 points, Joe Czerwinski, Wine Advocate (May 2026)
The 2024 Chardonnay Red Shoulder Ranch is a very pretty, elegant wine. Lemon confit, white flowers, mint and light tropical inflections are some of the many notes that grace this weightless, super refined Chardonnay. All the elements are so well balanced. There is a feeling of understated lightness here that is so appealing.
94 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous (Nov 2025)
Juicy pears, fresh apricots, and apple tart scents sail from the glass of the 2022 Red Shoulder Ranch Chardonnay, followed by nuances of cedar, honey toast, and nutmeg. Full-bodied, the palate has a lovely satiny texture and beautifully knit freshness supporting the generous orchard fruit flavors, finishing long and spicy.
94 points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Independent (Aug 2025)
Based on multiple clones and aged in 30% new French oak with no malolactic fermentation, the 2024 Chardonnay Red Shoulder Ranch was bottled in July and offers tons of tropical fruits, honeysuckle, sweet lemon, and tangerine notes. It's medium-bodied, pure, and nicely balanced, with the fresh, fruity style of the vintage. Drink 2025-2037.
93 points, Jeb Dunnuck (Dec 2025)
Bold and intense, mingling a laser beam of acidity with flavors of ripe, salted melon, mandarin orange, mango puree and apricot at the core. A whiff of fennel pollen, tarragon and dried lemongrass adds aromatic intrigue. Drink now. 5,000 cases made.
93 points, MaryAnn Worobiec, Wine Spectator (Feb 2026)
Intriguing and attractive, this Chardonnay balances rich flavors with mouthwatering length for a succulent and enticing wine. Aromas and flavors of ripe white nectarine and peach, apple skin, and pithy accents of white and pink grapefruit entwine with well-integrated spices.
93 points, Elaine Chukan Brown, Wine Enthusiast (Dec 2024)
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