2017 Shafer Vineyards Napa Valley Relentless

The Shafer Vineyards Napa Valley Relentless is a blend of 86% Syrah and 14% Petite Sirah. In the glass, the 2017 Relentless has a deep garnet purple color and fragrant notes of black pepper, licorice, and violet over a core of plum preserves, mulberries, and some earthiness. On the palate, the Relentless is medium to full bodied and excels in purity and freshness with ripe, round tannins and plenty of layers of pepper and spice, finishing refreshingly savory.

Reviews

“... a bold, flamboyant wine that seems to have put on even more density over the last year, hard as that may seem to believe. Black cherry, licorice, spice, leather and menthol are all amped up in this decidedly opulent, full-throttle Syrah-based wine.”
— Antonio Galloni, Vinous

“ … a deep garnet-purple color and fragrant notes of cracked black pepper, licorice and violets over a core of plum preserves, Black Forest cake and mulberries plus an earthy waft of tar. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has lovely purity and freshness, featuring ripe, rounded tannins and lots of pepper and spice layers, finishing refreshingly savory.”
—Lisa Perrott-Brown, The Wine Advocate

“Deep and powerfully built, with a rich and polished texture that highlights wild berry and blueberry flavors that show notes of espresso, smoky beef and black pepper. Finishes with big but refined tannins.”
— Tim Fish, Wine Spectator

“This is a burly, muscular yet sophisticated wine, showing complex characteristics of black pepper, clove and garrigue. Woody oak underscores a robust palate of black plum, game and savory herb, with a velvety texture throughout. It's a blend of 86% Syrah and 14% Petite Sirah. Enjoy from 2027 – 2030. Cellar Selection. ”
— Virginie Boone, Wine Enthusiast ABOUT SHAFER VINEYARDS

Shafer Vineyards was founded in 1972, when John Shafer, after a successful career in publishing, together with his son Doug, purchased vineyards on the Silverado Trail in Napa Valley. They purchased 84 hectares, 12 of which were planted with vines. A program of replanting and replanting was immediately implemented. From the start, the Shafers have been very innovative. The goal was to arrive at a completely natural way of growing grapes and making wine. By growing clover and peas, among other things, which in addition to preventing erosion also form a rich humus layer, bees and other insects are attracted that ensure optimal pollination and a natural habitat. The use of pesticides can therefore be avoided. Winemaker Elias Fernandez has been working at Shafer since 1994 and is considered one of the most talented winemakers in Napa.