2018 Syrah Relentless
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Tasting notes
The 2018 Relentless tilts more towards Petite Sirah than many vintages, being a blend of 76% Syrah and 24% Petite Sirah, all aged 30 months in 100% new French oak. Scents of road tar, black olive and blackberries mark the nose, while the palate is full-bodied and framed by cedary notes, reasonably supple but tannic, then picks up an appealing licorice note on the finish.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2018 Relentless might be the finest vintage of this I’ve tasted. Based on 90% Syrah and 10% Petite Sirah, this beauty boasts a saturated purple hue as well as a full-bodied array of ripe blackberries, peppery herbs, smoked game, and spring flowers. Pure, concentrated, and plush, it nevertheless stays graceful and light on its feet, with a great finish. I love it today, but it’s going to keep for 10-15 years.
The 2018 Relentless is silky and polished. In 2018 the blend includes a relatively high percentage of Petit Syrah, but the wine does not taste like that at all. Ripe red/purplish berry fruit, lavender, rose petal, black pepper and sweet spice are laced into the super-expressive finish. This might be the most refined Relentless ever.
The 2018 Relentless is fabulous. I can't remember tasting a Relentless with so much aromatic intensity and finesse. An explosion of aromas and flavors makes a strong first impression. The richness of the fruit is remarkable, as is the level of polish winemaker Elias Fernandez has achieved. Black cherry, plum, chocolate, licorice, spice and menthol build as this full-bodied, opulent Syrah/Petite Sirah blend shows everything its got.
About the producer
The site of Shafer has been around since 1880, and grapes continued to be grown here, even during prohibition. It is said that some wine was made here during that time. In 1972, John Shafer bought the property in the Stag’s Leap district, he immediately began planting the Cabernet on the hillside.