‘ONE OF THE WORLD’S GREATEST WINERIES.’ ROBERT M. PARKER, JR.

Doug Shafer arrived in Napa Valley at the age of 17, when he moved with his family from the Chicago suburbs in 1973 to a new home in the rugged foothills of the Stags Leap Palisades.

His first few years in the Valley proved to be formative ones; throughout high school, he spent long hours helping his father replant and clear land for new vineyards. It was this hands-on experience that inspired him to enrol in the oenology and viticulture program at the University of California.

Whilst completing his studies, Doug spent summers working in the vineyards with his father, thus expanding his understanding of the wine industry working at both Hanns Kornell and Robert Mondavi wineries. Meanwhile, his father was preparing to crush the first vintage of wine in 1978…

Following graduation, Doug honed his skills as assistant winemaker at Lakespring Winery prior to becoming winemaker at Shafer Vineyards in 1983. In 1994, he took the reins as president when his father John became chairman of the board, and Elias Fernandez became winemaker. As president, Doug continued to refine the Shafer wine portfolio working closely with Elias to develop a vineyard in the foothills of the Vaca Mountains. He also purchased a 25-acre hay field in Stags Leap District, developing it into the predominant vineyard source for One Point Five Cabernet Sauvignon.

Doug is committed to preserving Shafer as a small family winery, dedicated to the production of world-class wines from the estate vineyards. It is a pleasure to welcome him to the Club, to host a Masterclass dinner of these impressive wines.

We will enjoy:

Marinated seabass, green mango, fragrant herbs & coconut dressing
2016 Chardonnay

Vincisgrassi
1992 Hillside Select
1999 Hillside Select
2003 Hillside Select

Herb-roasted cannon of lamb, crushed minted Jersey Royals & prune jus
2015 One Point Five
2010 Hillside Select
2014 Relentless 

Cornish Vintage Gouda, Parmeggiano
2015 TD-9