- Sold exclusively at two Shinsegae Duty Free stores (Myeongdong and Incheon International Airport)
- Three wines that received high scores from Robert Parker and a prominent wine magazine
Premium wines are gaining popularity in Korea for the unparalleled excellence and sophistication of their flavors.
In response, Shinsegae Duty Free finally succeeded in becoming the only Korean duty free seller of three wines produced by Shafer Vineyards, an American winery, which enjoys an almost cult status overseas.
Shafer Vineyards is legendary among wineries, as indicated by its many monikers, including “Napa Valley’s Midas Touch,” “progenitor of Napa cult wines,” and “the winery that received a score of 100 six times from [world-renowned wine critic] Robert Parker.” John Shafer cultivated grapes using eco-friendly farming techniques and produced wine based on his extensive knowledge of terroir.
The three Shafer Vineyards wines that Shinsegae Duty Free is selling are the TD-9, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Malbec; Relentless, which topped a list of 100 wines in 2012; and One Point Five, whose name represents the “1.5 generation” collaboration between John Shafer and his son, Doug.
The 2019 TD-9 received a score of 91 from Robert Parker and 90 from the Wine Spectator magazine. It is a “red blend” wine that commemorates the pioneering spirit of John Shafer, who started making wine at the age of 50 with no prior experience. The 2019 dating indicates that the wine has a full-bodied grape aroma (due to the year’s long, hot summer).
The 2018 Relentless is a Syrah blend that honors the refusal of winemaker Elias Fernandez to compromise on quality. This 2018 wine is a vintage released to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Relentless and is known for the smooth finish resulting from the refined aroma/fragrance of its tannins. The wine, which is guaranteed to display the same body and fruity fragrance even after over 10 years, received a score of 92-94 from Robert Parker and 94 from Wine Spectator.
The 2019 One Point Five, which received a score of 93 from Robert Parker, is the culmination of the deep bond between John and Doug Shafer. The soft tannins of well-ripened Cabernet Sauvignon and its rich, fruity scent make the One Point Five an excellent indicator of the terroir of Stags Leap District, the home of the best vineyards in Napa Valley.
The three Shafer Vineyards wines are currently available at the Incheon International Airport (Terminal 1) and Myeongdong branches.
A Shinsegae Duty Free spokesperson said, “For this Lunar New Year, Shinsegae Duty Free recommends giving your loved ones the gift of the finest Napa Valley wines, which have been recognized by the world’s most prominent wine experts. We will continue expanding our premium liquor lineup to include diverse wines and whiskies.”
Shinsegae duty free=2023/01/18