2019 Shafer Relentless Syrah [JD96][WE96][JS95][WA93+]

Producer: Shafer Vineyards
Region: Napa Valley, California
Blend: 76% Syrah, 24% Petite Sirah
Year: 2019

Jeb Dunnuck, 96 Points 

"The 2019 Relentless is mostly Syrah, yet the cuvée always includes a good bit of Petite Sirah, with 11% in the 2019. A deep purple-hued blockbuster of a Syrah, it offers loads of ripe blackberries, ground pepper, sappy herbs, and violet-like aromas and flavors. One of those wines that delivers richness and intensity with no sensation of weight of heaviness, it has terrific balance, ripe tannins, and a great finish. Enjoy bottles over the coming 10-15 years." 

Wine Enthusiast, 96 Points 

"This powerful, rough-hewn wine that contains 11% Petite Sirah holds extremely deep black and blue fruits in a framework of grippy tannins. A tight, reserved expression on the midpalate signals more aging is needed for best enjoyment. The wine’s ripe, compelling, late-harvest fruits match the massive structure. Best from 2028– 2040. Cellar Selection" 

James Suckling, 95 Points 

"Rich and deep dark-fruited character with hints of roast bacon, chocolate and grilled herbs. Full-bodied with a broad, structured palate that has a deep core of dark berry fruit, and an array of plush, velvety tannins that lasts for minutes, leading to a polished, slightly chewy finish." 

Wine Advocate, 93+ Points 

"The 2019 Relentless is a blend of 89% Syrah and 11% Petite Sirah that spent 30 months in 100% new French oak. The nose is a bit briary, with intriguing herbal complexities from the Syrah, vibrant purple-raspberry fruit and perhaps some blueberry fruit from the Petite Sirah. This is full-bodied, tannic, sturdy stuff that needs time to come around, but as it's packed with fruit, that shouldn't be an issue. Patience will be required." 

Winemaker Notes: 

"The 2019 Relentless is a bold, complex vintage with a juicy core of classic Syrah gaminess and an enticing range of savory aromas and flavors. The wine opens with grilled meat, black pepper, roast almonds, and baked earth. On the palate, the wine is mouth-filling and soul-satisfying with vivid flavors of black pepper, wet stone, blueberry, and black tea. The finish is lengthy and its underlying acidity and ripe, structured tannins means it is built for long term age-ability." 

Alcohol: 15.8%

*Discounts do not apply to items like this one in the Fine & Rare category. Price and availability in store may vary.