Winemaker Notes

A proprietary blend of Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon, Firebreak highlights the spicy fruitiness of Sangiovese with the depth and backbone of Cabernet Sauvignon. Sangiovese brings licorice and spice to this full-bodied and aromatic wine, while Cabernet contributes deep color and roundness on the palate. The name derives from the vineyard, a former brushy knoll scorched in a 1981 wildfire. Planted today to Sangiovese, the vineyard now serves as a deterrent to future fires.

Professional Ratings

    Shafer Vineyards

    Shafer Vineyards

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    Undoubtedly proving its merit over and over, Napa Valley is a now a leading force in the world of prestigious red wine regions. Though Cabernet Sauvignon dominates Napa Valley, other red varieties certainly thrive here. Important but often overlooked include Merlot and other Bordeaux varieties well-regarded on their own as well as for their blending capacities. Very old vine Zinfandel represents an important historical stronghold for the region and Pinot noir is produced in the cooler southern parts, close to the San Pablo Bay.

    Perfectly situated running north to south, the valley acts as a corridor, pulling cool, moist air up from the San Pablo Bay in the evenings during the hot days of the growing season, which leads to even and slow grape ripening. Furthermore the valley claims over 100 soil variations including layers of volcanic, gravel, sand and silt—a combination excellent for world-class red wine production.

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