Wine Spectator 94 points - A tremendous wine from the first captivating aromas of
rich currant, beef, blackberry and wild berry, it’s tightly
focused and impeccably balanced, offering wonderful
complexity, depth and a long, rich, intense finish.
Syrah and Petite Sirah. Drink now through 2010.—J.L. (Sep 21 2005)
Wine Advocate 94 points - Named after their talented viticulturalist and winemaker, Elias Fernandez, the Relentless cuvee was introduced a few years ago and is a blend of 80% Syrah and 20% Petite Sirah aged 32 months in 100% new French oak. It is a terrific wine, and the good news is that there are about 2,500 cases produced. The 2002 Relentless has an inky purple color to the rim, a big, sweet nose of vanilla, pepper, blue and blackberry fruit, and some chocolate and espresso roast in a sweet, plush, full-bodied palate with high tannin, glycerin, and extract. It should drink well for 10-12 years.
(Feb 2005)
With this Syrah, Shafer honors Winemaker Elias Fernandez, whose relentless pursuit of quality has marked his nearly two decades at Shafer Vineyards. Multi-layered and expansive, Relentless combines the concentrated black cherry and blackberry flavors of Petite Sirah with black pepper spice and an earthiness derived from Syrah, both of which are planted in Shafer's hillside vineyard adjacent to the southern border of the Stags Leap District. A deep, dark and delicious wine, Relentless is aged for 25 months in French oak barrels.
