86/87 Wines is the debut label of Caroline and Jeffrey Shifflett, a brother/sister team and 4th generation of a Napa-Valley grape-growing family. Jeffrey is responsible for production; after many harvests in the cellar, he pivoted to focus on farming, now managing the family’s 120-acre property in the Oak Knoll district of Napa Valley and making 86/87 wines on the side. Caroline is responsible for building relationships throughout the United States and managing the daily sales efforts on the property.

The blend is 50/50 Cabernet Sauvignon, with Merlot and Syrah. The Cabernet Sauvignon was sourced from the Particelli Vineyard in St. Helena and the Syrah is from the family’s ranch, Shifflett Ranch and Vineyards, in Oak Knoll where they have been grape growers for over 40 years. The Particelli soil is a base of gravelly loam with river deposits from the neighboring Napa River. The soil for the Syrah from Shifflett Ranch is bale clay loam, Estrella River clone (a descendant of cuttings from the famous Hermitage vineyard in the northern Rhone) planted on 110R.

The wine is a beautiful ruby red color; aromas rich with ripe red fruits and baking spice. On the palate, black and red currants, dark cherries, and a touch of cracked pepper finish with fine-ground tannins and lively acidity. Pair with red meat, cheese, and charcuterie, or simply by itself! Aged in 25% new French oak for 21 months.