Shafer "TD-9" Cabernet Sauvignon 2023
(Napa Valley, California) - [JS 95] [DM 94] [JD 93-95] [WS 93] [VM 92] [WA 90-92]

About the Winery:
Shafer Vineyards is an iconic family-owned winery, named one of the top 25 vineyards in the world by wine publication Wine & Spirits and “one of the world’s greatest wineries” by wine critic Robert M. Parker, Jr.

Since 1978 the Shafer family has produced wine in the Stags Leap District, one of the most highly-regarded winegrowing regions within Napa Valley. Shafer’s wines, including its signature wine, Hillside Select, are found in collectors’ cellars and on wine lists in top hotels and restaurants throughout the world.

The small winery is managed by Doug Shafer, son of winery founders John and Bett Shafer. Elias Fernandez is winemaker. 

Notes from the Winemaker:
In 1973, in the space of a few months, John Shafer went from riding morning commuter trains in Chicago to teaching himself to drive a TD-9 tractor in our Napa Valley vineyard. He’d never grown grapes or made wine in his life. That spirit of risk-taking and adventure still guides Shafer today and inspired the creation of this new wine.

With the 2021 vintage, TD-9 became Shafer Vineyard’s newest Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine is a rich, vibrant expression of some of our favorite Napa Valley vineyards. The name TD-9 celebrates John Shafer’s first tractor, which he taught himself to drive in 1973 as part of the founding of the winery.

“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 mouthfilling 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.” — Shafer winemaker Elias Fernandez

Vineyard Locations: Stags Leap District, Yountville, and a vineyard in the foothills of the Vaca Mountains just south of Stags Leap District.

Varietal Composition: 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Merlot, 7% Malbec, 7% Petit Verdot

Cooperage: 18 months in 60-gallon French oak barrels (100% new: Allier and Tronçais)

Alcohol: 15.3%

Ratings & Reviews

95 Points – 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.” (Jun 2025)

94 Points – Decanter Magazine:
"The TD9 is exceptionally bright in 2023, offering vivid red fruit and crunchy red-fruit skin alongside sandalwood and perfumed rose petal notes. Loads of ripe, firm tannins are tinged with cocoa powder, while zesty blood-orange acidity drives terrific length, marked by red-rock earth and sagebrush nuances.” – Jonathan Cristaldi (Mar 2026)

93-95 Points – 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.” (Jan 2025)

93 Points – Wine Spectator:
"A well-built red, with plum and blackberry compote notes that show good underlying juiciness, while licorice, violet and roasted apple wood fill in liberally through the dense but nicely defined finish. Rock solid. Best from 2027 through 2039. 9,000 cases made.” – JM (Feb 2026)

92 Points – Vinous Media:
"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.” – Antonio Galloni (Nov 2025)

90-92 – 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. For the price, it's a solid value and—with 10,000 cases expected to be bottled—probably the most likely to wind up on your local steakhouse's wine list.” – Joe Czerwinski (Oct 2025)