2005 Syrah Relentless

The sensational 2005 Relentless boasts an opaque purple color along with a wonderfully sweet nose of blackberries, creosote, acacia flowers, and hints of pepper and meat in the background. Full-bodied and densely concentrated with the oak component well-concealed by the wine’s extravagant richness, this gorgeous 2005 can be drunk now or cellared for 10 years. Celebrating 30 years of consistent quality and both critical and commercial success, this family run winery remains one of the most admirable operations in California. The Shafers have had tremendous success with their Relentless, which was first released in 1999. A blend of 80% Syrah and 20% Petite Sirah that spends 32 months in 100% new French oak, it is a remarkably consistent offering that rarely displays much oak. The Syrah is from Napa’s cool-climate Oak Knoll sector. One of the world’s most prodigious Cabernet Sauvignons is Shafer’s 2,000-case cuvee called Hillside Select. Always 100% Cabernet Sauvignon aged in 100% new French oak for a whopping 32 months, it boasts a gorgeous track record dating back to the early nineties, and just about every recent vintage has flirted with perfection. Tel. (707) 944-2877; Fax (707) 944-9454

(78% syrah and 22% petite sirah) Good medium ruby. Cooler, vibrant aromas of blueberry, blackberry, cocoa powder and violet, along with a meaty nuance. Suave and rather high-pitched, with a silky texture but also a firm acid spine to the flavors of black fruits, bitter chocolate and menthol. Structured, juicy wine. Winemaker Fernandez adds the petite sirah "to give color, rustic tannins and ageability" and notes that he's much more likely to have to acidify the syrah component.