A full-bodied while refined Cabernet Sauvignon, the TD9 cuvée delivers the strength and generosity so characteristic of Shafer wine. Aromas and flavors of cassis, ripe blackberries, and freshly cracked pine fill the mouth leading into a lengthy and expressive finish of graphite and warming spices. — Elaine Chukan Brown

The 2022 TD-9 is composed of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot, 4% Malbec, and 3% Petit Verdot. Sporting a deep garnet-purple color, notes of crème de cassis, prunes, and blueberry preserves jump from the glass, giving way to touches of candied violets, Chinese five spice, and incense. The full-bodied palate offers nicely managed, approachable tannins with a lively line cutting through the rich black fruit preserves flavors, finishing with a perfumed lift.

Named for the tractor acquired with the original property in 1973, Shafer's 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon TD-9 blends fruit from the estate with purchased fruit to provide an entry-level Cabernet Sauvignon. A blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot, 4% Malbec and 3% Petit Verdot, aged in 100% new French oak, it does offer plenty of vanilla and spice shadings to balance the cherry fruit. Full-bodied and velvety-textured, it offers plenty of pleasure for what amounts to a fair price within the Napa scheme of things. With more than 10,000 cases produced, it should be widely available at steakhouses and retail.

This lets copious boysenberry and blackberry puree notes glide through, while melted licorice, sweet toast and warmed fruitcake accents fill in through the generous finish. A crowd-pleasing style. Drink now through 2031. 10,000 cases made.

The 2022 TD-9 checks in as 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot, 4% Malbec, and the rest Petit Verdot. It has a juicy, lively, medium to full-bodied style to go with pretty red and black fruits, some spicy wood and floral notes, fine tannins, and a great finish.

The 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon TD-9 is a pretty wine. Crushed flowers, sweet red berry fruit and sweet spice tones are nicely lifted. This is an especially delicate, aromatic Cabernet Sauvignon that shows the lighter structure of the year. By Antonio Galloni on December 2024