Notes & Flavors

TD-9 is a proprietary blend that celebrates a bold move. 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.

This juicy red blend is loaded with vivid summer fruit – red plum, red cherry, black cherry, and strawberry – along with rhubarb, spice, and red licorice. All this tantalizing freshness comes with energy and ripe tannins for a long, luscious finish.

Blend: 62% Merlot, 22% Malbec, 16% Cabernet Sauvignon

94 Points, The Tasting Panel

"Predominantly Merlot, with Malbec and Cabernet adding complexity and style. Dark ruby color with a rich plum nose and a lovely, smooth texture; lush with depth, intensity, and elegance."

92 Points, Wine Spectator

"Rich and full of dense and spicy dark plum, dried blackberry and mocha flavors. Dark chocolate and smoky notes show on the ripe finish, with dried savory herbal accents. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec. Drink now through 2023."

92 Points, Jeb Dunnuck

"Moving to the reds, the 2017 TD-9 Proprietary Red Blend is mostly Merlot yet includes 22% Malbec and a small amount of Cabernet Sauvignon. Deep purple-hued with sweet aromas of jammy blackberries, spiced cherries, herbes de Provence, and dried flowers, it is a wonderfully textured, medium to full-bodied, balanced red with sweet tannins and a great finish. It’s going to evolve nicely for 10-12 years."

92Points, Wine Enthusiast

"Blending 62% Merlot, 22% Malbec and 16% Cabernet Sauvignon, winemaker Elias Fernandez shows his skill, producing a thick, earthy and spicy red with vibrant red fruit. Ripe firm tannins add weight and power to the full-bodied blockbuster, as toasted oak seals the finish."