Shafer Reds

I rarely do a 6 person event on a Friday night as I like to give more people a chance to attend events. But since Chinmei is hosting an event the same night, I figure I can do a smaller group on the same night.

So, I'm going to host this 6 person event and it will feature 4 wines from Napa Valley winery Shafer! Instead of a white wine, a Rose from Irouléguy which is in the southwest of France.

We will return to perennial favorite, Bobby Van's on Park for a 7pm reservation.

Here is a link to their menu...
Bobby Van's on Park Menu

Just a reminder of our usual rules:

** The cost of this event is $47 and is for the cost of the wines only.

NOTE: Meetup has started charging a "Partner Fee" that is above and in addition to the listed price of the event. It comes to approximately $4 more for each RSVP. You will see this charge when you complete your rsvp and pay for the event. Sorry! Meetup+ members are exempt from this charge.

You will also have to pay the cost of your food (plus 33% for tax and tip). Please order at least two courses (i.e. a main dish and either appetizer or dessert) for your dinner. There are very few restaurants that allow us to bring our own wine for a Zero corkage fee. We must be good guests to encourage the restaurant to continue to be generous to us.

Please read and understand the group's cancellation policy. If you take spot, then cancel, and no one else takes the spot, you will not receive a refund or credit. No refunds or credits will be given for no-shows or late cancellations (unless someone else takes your spot). All cancellations are subject to a $6 service fee.

Please use public transportation - NO DRINKING AND DRIVING!

The Wines :
2024 Domaine Ilarria Irouléguy Rosé. ($35) - “A blend of 50% Cabernet Franc, 50% Tannat, vinified/aged in stainless steel, from a paltry 30 hl/ha yield (think Grand cru Burgundy yields!) - After being unable to offer the Espil's outrageously good Irouléguy rosé last year, I am delighted to finally be able to bring this one in. NY Times Wine writer Eric Asimov consistently has touted this bottling among his favorite values in all of the world of fine wine, with the following post in reference to this 2024 bottling. Fans of world class, gastronomy level rosé wine and value hounds should stand at attention.”

2015 Shafer TD-9 ($60) - I think Shafer named this after a Tractor! It is Merlot dominated. WA 90 points, "Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, the 2015 Red Blend TD-9, a blend of 56% Merlot, 28% Cabernet Sauvignon and 16% Malbec, reveals notes of warm plums, Christmas cake and mocha with hints of sandalwood and vanilla pod. Full-bodied and laden with spiced plum preserves flavors, it has just enough freshness and great length."

2015 Shafer Relentless ($75) - WA 95+ points, "Blended of 90% Syrah and 10% Petite Sirah, the deep purple-black colored 2015 Relentless has a total rock-star nose of flamboyant blackberry pie, plum preserves, mulberries and licorice scents with hints of Sichuan pepper, hoisin, Indian spices and smoked meats plus a waft of raspberry leaves. Very big, rich, full and decadently fruited in the mouth, the palate packs in black fruits and exotic spices layers with a firm, rounded tannin frame and just enough freshness to carry off the long, opulent finish. (drink 2018-2034)"

2012 Shafer Cabernet Sauvignon One Point Five ($80) - WA 94 points, "The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon One Pint Five is a big-time winner, a blend of almost all Cabernet Sauvignon with a touch of Malbec and Petit Verdot. The wine has an opaque bluish/purple color, almost indigo, and is full-bodied with dense chocolaty crème de cassis notes, licorice and a touch of minerality. The wine has well-integrated wood, is full and seems balanced and rich enough to age for two decades or more."