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.

Rating

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. Robert Parker 93 points (Dec 2008) Brimming with spicy, zesty wild berry, pepper, mineral and fresh earth flavors presented in a tight, focused, concentrated manner. Finishes with firm tannins and good length. Syrah and Petite Sirah. Drink now through 2012. 3,500 cases made. –JL Wine Spectator 92 points (Dec 31 2008)