Shafer Relentless 2019
- jd96-98
- we96
- v95
- wa92-94
- ws92
Category | Red Wine |
Varietals | |
Brand | Shafer |
Origin | California, Napa Valley, Stags Leap District |
Alcohol/vol | 15.8% |
Jeb Dunnuck
- jd96-98
A blend of 94% Syrah and 6% Petite Sirah, the 2018 Relentless looks to be just about sensational, offering a dense purple color as well as rich, loaded notes of blackberries, currants, smoked meats, peppery spice, and violets. Reminding me of a great Cornas on steroids with its gamy, exotic character paired with beautiful richness, it has fabulous purity, ripe, polished tannins, and a great finish. This will undoubtedly be a great vintage for this cuvée, and my money is on it being one of the best yet.
Wine Enthusiast
- we96
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.
Vinous
- v95
The 2018 Relentless is silky and polished. In 2018 the blend includes a relatively high percentage of Petit Syrah, but the wine does not taste like that at all. Ripe red/purplish berry fruit, lavender, rose petal, black pepper and sweet spice are laced into the super-expressive finish. This might be the most refined Relentless ever.
Wine Advocate
- wa92-94
Deep purple-black colored, the 2018 Relentless is a barrel-sample blend of 90% Syrah and 10% Petite Sirah. It sings of crushed black cherries, mulberries and black plums plus cracked pepper, garrigue, lavender, Indian spices and licorice hints. The palate is full-bodied, firm, spicy and energetic with rounded tannins and a long, peppery finish.
Wine Spectator
- ws92
Potent yet polished, with deeply structured flavors of black cherry, smoked pepper and dried sage that build tension toward medium-grained tannins. Syrah and Petite Sirah. Drink now through 2030. 3,300 cases made.