Winemaker Notes
The 2023 displays beautiful complexity with layers of blackberry, black plum, and spice, accented by layers of tobacco, toast, and savory herbs. Both lush and energetic, this mouth filling Cabernet Sauvignon is ripe, round, and perfectly balanced. Silky tannins provide structure and grace, promising even greater elegance and depth with time in your cellar.
Blend: 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Merlot, 7% Malbec, 7% Petit Verdot
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
Not yet bottled, the 2023 TD-9 is the same blend as the 2022 and is still resting in 100% new barrels. Red and black fruits, new leather, graphite, and some floral notes all define the aromatics, and it's medium to full-bodied, beautifully balanced, layered, and has a great finish.
Range: 93-95 -
James Suckling
A classic Napa Valley cabernet that shows vivid flavors of red and black cherries on a big, broad texture and full body. Fine-grained tannins add structure and shape on the palate, as brilliant raspberry and cranberry flavors meet bold and deep blackberry and blueberry notes. Drink now or hold.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Shafer's 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon TD-9 was presented prior to bottling. It's a full-bodied, ripe, opulent style, supple and not overly tannic but still has enough backbone to partner a steak. Fruit-forward and dominated by black cherries and cassis, it finishes long and mouthwatering. Barrel Sample: 90-92
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Vinous
The 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon TD-9 is just as expressive as it was last year. Floral and savory notes open first in a mid-weight, delicate Cabernet Sauvignon that impresses with its approachability. TD-9 represents the more lifted, delicate side of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.
One of the most prestigious wines of the world capable of great power and grace, Napa Valley Cabernet is a leading force in the world of fine, famous, collectible red wine. Today the Napa Valley and Cabernet Sauvignon are so intrinsically linked that it is difficult to discuss one without the other. But it wasn’t until the 1970s that this marriage came to light; sudden international recognition rained upon Napa with the victory of the Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars 1973 Cabernet Sauvignon in the 1976 Judgement of Paris.
Cabernet Sauvignon undoubtedly dominates Napa Valley today, covering half of the land under vine, commanding the highest prices per ton and earning the most critical acclaim. Cabernet Sauvignon’s structure, acidity, capacity to thrive in multiple environs and ability to express nuances of vintage make it perfect for Napa Valley where incredible soil and geographical diversity are found and the climate is perfect for grape growing. Within the Napa Valley lie many smaller sub-AVAs that express specific characteristics based on situation, slope and soil—as a perfect example, Rutherford’s famous dust or Stags Leap District's tart cherry flavors.