{"product_id":"shafer-vineyards-napa-valley-merlot-2023","title":"Shafer Vineyards Napa Valley Merlot 2023","description":"\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal; mso-outline-level: 2;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;\"\u003eWhat the 2023 Release Means\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; margin-left: .5in; line-height: normal;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;\"\u003eThe \u003cb\u003e2023 vintage marks a “return” for Merlot in Shafer’s core lineup\u003c\/b\u003e — the winery describes this vintage as a “triumphant return” of Merlot, emphasizing “bright, bold elegance.” Given the grape composition, oak aging, and richness, this wine is likely to suit drinkers who enjoy Napa-style reds: fruit-driven, oak-influenced, full-bodied but refined. Because of the structure (tannins, acidity) plus complexity (fruit + oak + herbal\/spice), it seems suitable both for near-term drinking and some limited cellaring — though given the intensity, many will likely enjoy it within the next few 5–8 years.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eBasic Facts \u0026amp; Production\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul style=\"margin-top: 0in;\" type=\"disc\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;\"\u003eThe 2023 Merlot from Shafer Vineyards is sourced from vineyards in the southern foothills of Napa Valley (Yountville AVA and slopes of the Vaca Mountains), plus other top vineyard sites.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;\"\u003eComposition: 90% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 2% Malbec.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;\"\u003eAging: 18 months in 100% new French oak barrels (Allier \u0026amp; Tronçais).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;\"\u003eAlcohol level: 15.3% N (i.e. fairly potent, not for the weak of mind or spirit)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;\"\u003eRelease date: September 1, 2025\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Liquide","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42571527847979,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0630\/0883\/3579\/files\/shafermerlot.jpg?v=1765733750","url":"https:\/\/liquide.store\/products\/shafer-vineyards-napa-valley-merlot-2023","provider":"Liquide","version":"1.0","type":"link"}