2015 Syrah Relentless
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Tasting notes
The 2015 Relentless is a tough, brooding wine. Huge swaths of tannin wrap around a core of black fruit, new leather, dried leaves, game, incense and scorched earth. The final phase of ripening was very fast, leading to a feeling of slight disequilibrium in the contours. That said, the 2015 has aged well.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The saturated purple-colored 2015 Relentless is a Syrah-dominated blend that includes 10% Petite Sirah. This cuvée was first made in 1999 and the Syrah comes from a site in the hills above Oakville Knoll. Boasting terrific, full-throttle notes of black fruits, violets, and tapenade, it shows surprising elegance and purity on the palate, has fine, silky tannins, and superb balance. It’s a brilliant wine that has both power and elegance. Drink it over the coming decade.
Time has done wonders for the 2015 Relentless, especially in softening some of the tannins that were so imposing last year. A powerful, rich wine, the 2015 possesses terrific fruit intensity and overall energy. Cherry jam and pomegranate fruit character give the 2015 its decidedly red-fruited profile. The 2015 is not as complex or nuanced as other vintages have been, but it is absolutely delicious and a real pleasure to taste.
Blended of 90% Syrah and 10% Petite Sirah, the deep purple-black colored 2015 Relentless has a total rock-star nose of flamboyant blackberry pie, plum preserves, mulberries and licorice scents with hints of Sichuan pepper, hoisin, Indian spices and smoked meats plus a waft of raspberry leaves. Very big, rich, full and decadently fruited in the mouth, the palate packs in black fruits and exotic spices layers with a firm, rounded tannin frame and just enough freshness to carry off the long, opulent finish.
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.