An addition to the range, the 2015 TD-9 is a big, full-throttle wine. Merlot is at the core of TD-9, but Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec play important roles in the blend too. A rush of dark red cherry, pomegranate, spice and lavender lead into the voluptuous, racy finish. There is still some tannin that needs time to resolve, but this is a fabulous debut from Shafer. The TD-9 replaces the Merlot in the Shafer lineup and looks like it will be a more ambitious wine. The name is taken after the TD-9 tractor John Shafer drove in his early days in Napa Valley. (AG)

Powerful and finely textured, with concentrated dried cherry, dark currant and roasted plum flavors that are filled with lively minerality. Richly spiced, showing dried herbal notes on the chiseled finish. (KM)

A blend of 56% Merlot, 28% Cabernet Sauvignon and 16% Malbec, the 2015 TD-9 Proprietary Red Blend is a perfumed, seamless, even elegant, 2015 that gives up lots of blue fruits, spice-box, dried flowers, and incense aromas and flavors. Charming, light on its feet, and with the forward, sexy fruit of this great vintage, drink it anytime over the coming decade.