Shafer included 15% Cabernet Sauvignon to this Merlot which makes this wine a very elegant, finely textured, fruit driven and very aromatic with aromas of ripe dark plum, blackberry, chocolate, vanilla and cedar forest. On the palate this full body Merlot (with alcohol coming in at 14.9%) achieves an excellent balance with surprisingly fresh acidity for a Napa wine, loads of flavours and fined grained tannins which makes the alcohol only slightly noticeable. The finish is long with rich and savoury flavours and all wrapped up in fine ripe tannins. A robust Merlot, yet approachable.