2012 Shafer Syrah Relentless
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Tasting notes
Rich, ample and expressive, the 2012 Relentless is a winner. Blueberry jam, spice, cloves and leather are some of the many notes that infuse this succulent, deeply expressive wine. Time in the glass only brings out the wine's exuberant personality further. In 2012, Relentless is 89% Syrah and 11% Petite Sirah. This is a terrific example of the year at its best.
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Robert Parker
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
A deep, powerful wine, the 2012 Relentless offers up a compelling mélange of dark red cherry, plum, dark chocolate, spice and new leather, all in a powerful style that will drink well with minimal cellaring. The 2012 is dense and pliant, but it needs a bit more time in bottle to show all of its potential. This is a classic 2012 built on fruit, with varietal character very much in the background.
The exuberance of the year comes through in spades in the 2012 Relentless, a ripe, flashy wine loaded with pure Napa Valley richness and intensity. Dark red/blue-toned fruit melds into spices, wild herbs and tobacco. The 2012 stands out for its open personality, soft contours and terrific overall balance.
The 2012 Syrah Relentless, which has not yet been bottled, is a blend of 89% Syrah and 11% Petite Sirah. In keeping with this amazing year, it’s full-bodied, juicy, succulent, flamboyant, with blueberry and blackberry fruit galore, lots of glycerin and a massive mouthfeel, but no heaviness or astringency characterize this stunning wine. This should turn out to be a great, great Rhône Ranger when released in a year or so.