Shafer Relentless Syrah

2014 Shafer Relentless Syrah....$97.99
Checking in as a blend of 89% Syrah and 11% Petit Sirah, the 2014 Syrah Relentless is a killer bottle of wine that offers decadent notes of blackcurrants, barbecued meats, seaweed wrapper, lavender, exotic pepper, and liquid smoke. This is a rich, unctuous Rhône inspired blend that packs serious amounts of fruit and richness, yet the elegant, forward style of the vintage keeps it silky, polished and incredibly drinkable. While I haven't had every vintage of this cuvee (it was first made in 1999), my money is on this being up with the top handful of vintages. It's a blockbuster today (if you’re oak adverse, give bottles 2-3 years) but will keep for two decades.
Rated 96/100 Jeb Dunnuck
The 2014 Relentless, made up of 89% Syrah and 11% Petite Sirah, is deep garnet-purple with a pronounced nose of black plums, blackberries and black cherries with touches of fragrant earth, black pepper and Indian spices plus a waft of lavender. Very big, full-bodied, opulent and laden with vibrant black fruits and spicy layers, it has firm, rounded tannins and seamless freshness, finishing long and peppery.
Rated 95+/100 The Wine Advocate
The 2014 Relentless is just as impressive from bottle as it was from barrel. Inky, voluptuous and wonderfully vivid, the 2014 has so much to offer. A rush of inky blue/purplish fruit, exotic spice and floral notes build into the powerful, brooding finish. Two thousand fourteen is an exceptional vintage for Relentless, Shafer's Syrah/Petite Sirah blend.
Rated 94/100 Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media



2015 Shafer Relentless Syrah....$97.99
Blended of 90% Syrah and 10% Petite Sirah, the deep purple-black colored 2015 Relentless has a total rock-star nose of flamboyant blackberry pie, plum preserves, mulberries and licorice scents with hints of Sichuan pepper, hoisin, Indian spices and smoked meats plus a waft of raspberry leaves. Very big, rich, full and decadently fruited in the mouth, the palate packs in black fruits and exotic spices layers with a firm, rounded tannin frame and just enough freshness to carry off the long, opulent finish.
Rated 95/100 Wine Advocate
The saturated purple-colored 2015 Relentless is a Syrah-dominated blend that includes 10% Petite Sirah. This cuvée was first made in 1999 and the Syrah comes from a site in the hills above Oakville Knoll. Boasting terrific, full-throttle notes of black fruits, violets, and tapenade, it shows surprising elegance and purity on the palate, has fine, silky tannins, and superb balance. It’s a brilliant wine that has both power and elegance. Drink it over the coming decade.
Rated 95/100 Jeb Dunnuck