2019 Shafer Vineyards Napa Valley Relentless

about Shafer Vineyards

Since 1978, Shafer Vineyards has been one of Napa Valley's most respected wineries. Located in the Stags Leap District, one of California's most prestigious appellations, the estate is renowned for its precision, sustainability, and terroir expression. Shafer's wines combine power and elegance and are recognized worldwide as a benchmark for modern Napa wines.

the story behind Relentless

Relentless is named in honor of Elias Fernandez, who has worked at Shafer since 1984. The name reflects his unwavering dedication and passion in the vineyard and cellar. A staple in Shafer's collection since 1999, the wine consistently demonstrates a deep, dark style with power and layering. The blend of Syrah and Petite Sirah produces a wine with both power and structure, rich in fruit, spice, and complexity.

vineyards and terroir

The grapes for Relentless are sourced from the southern foothills of Napa Valley, in the Stags Leap District. Here, the combination of volcanic soils, limestone, and clay ensures optimal drainage and concentration. The microclimate, with warm days and cool nights, helps the grapes retain their aromatic intensity and natural acidity. The vines are low-growing to produce small, concentrated berries.

grape varieties and harvest

The 2019 Relentless is composed of 89% Syrah and 11% Petite Sirah. The Syrah contributes floral notes, black olive, and spice, while the Petite Sirah provides structure and depth. 2019 was a relatively cool and long growing season, resulting in slow ripening, perfect phenolic balance, and intense fruit.

vinification and maturation

After careful selection, the grapes were completely destemmed and fermented in stainless steel tanks. The wine then matured for 30 months in 100% new French oak barriques. This long aging resulted in rounded tannins, structure, and added complexity, with subtle notes of cedar, smoke, and vanilla that blend with the dark fruit.

review by The Wine Advocate

The Wine Advocate awarded the 2019 Relentless 93+ points. Joe Czerwinski described the wine as "full-bodied, tannic, sturdy stuff that needs time to develop, but packed with fruit." He calls the nose "briary, with herbal complexities from the Syrah, vibrant purple-raspberry fruit, and perhaps a touch of blueberry from the Petite Sirah." This assessment underscores the power, tension, and concentration of this vintage. The wine is intense and robust, yet with sufficient fruit and structure to develop beautifully over the next two decades. Recommended for drinking from 2026 to 2040.

color, smell and taste

The 2019 Relentless has a deep purple-black color. The nose opens with ripe blackberry, black cherry, blueberry, and violet notes, followed by hints of black pepper, spice, and subtle woodiness. The palate is full, layered, and intense. The structure is firm yet refined, with powerful tannins well supported by a core of ripe fruit. The finish is long, mineral, and complex, with notes of pure cocoa and spicy earth.

Would you like to order Shafer Vineyards wines online?

If available, you'll find the official fact sheet and additional information about this fine wine in the "Attachments" tab. We'll automatically send you these when you order this wine. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you pick it up, you'll often receive a nice discount. You'll see your discount immediately when you select "Pick up" at checkout. We're located in Dordrecht, just off the A16 motorway with ample parking. Click here for our address: https://www.grandcruwijnen.nl/bezoek-ons. You can read the full wine reviews from Parker, Suckling, Vinous, and Wine Spectator, among others.

Need advice on finding the perfect wine to pair with your dish? Click here for our exclusive Sommelier. Free for Grand Cru customers. https://www.grandcruwijnen.nl/sommy

recommended wine and food pairings

• Beef cheek in red wine sauce. The wine's full body and ripe tannins complement the tender meat and deep sauce.
• Leg of lamb with rosemary and garlic. The spicy notes of the wine enhance the Mediterranean character of the dish.
• Wild boar stew with black olives and thyme. The firm texture stands up to the rich meat and savory sauce.
• Grilled duck breast with fig compote. The combination of ripe fruit and spice complements the wine perfectly.
• Tagliatelle with mushrooms and Parmesan. The earthy flavors complement the complexity of the Syrah.
• Aged blue cheese with walnuts and honey. The powerful wine creates a captivating contrast with the creamy, salty cheese.