2004 Syrah Relentless
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Tasting notes
I was also able to taste a bottle of the 2004 Syrah Relentless during my visit, and it shows how age-worthy this cuvée is. Classic Syrah notes of smoked meats, gamey red and black fruits, chocolate, and bouquet garni all shine here, and while it's clearly mature, it’s still youthfully ruby-hued, has full-bodied richness, a round, lush mouthfeel, and a great finish.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Previously recommended, but no tasting note given. 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. Tel. (707) 944-2877; Fax (707) 944-9454
(and 80/20 blend of syrah and petite sirah) Medium ruby. Cassis, blackberry, black cherry, violet and minerals on the nose, along with some nutty oak. Then sweet and penetrating, with ripe black cherry and bitter chocolate flavors nicely framed by spicy oak. Finishes with fairly strong, slightly rustic tannins and excellent length.
About the producer
The site of Shafer has been around since 1880, and grapes continued to be grown here, even during prohibition. It is said that some wine was made here during that time. In 1972, John Shafer bought the property in the Stag’s Leap district, he immediately began planting the Cabernet on the hillside.