From Shafer Vineyards comes this incredible Syrah that's named for their winemaker Elia Fernandez, who's pursuit of quality is relentless. Robert Parker said "One of Napa's most prominent and respected wineries, Shafer is a poster boy for remarkable and consistent quality across the board. All of this is the work of the brilliant father and son team of John and Doug Shafer as well as their long-term winemaker and vineyard manager, Elias Fernandez. With over 200-plus acres of estate holdings, and 55 surrounding their winery in Stags Leap, this is a winery that never seems to disappoint. This 2014 is a blend of 89% Syrah, 11% Petite Sirah, aged 30 months in 100% new 60-gallon French oak barrels (Allier & Tronçais).
Antonio Galloni scored this 94 points saying "The 2014 Relentless is just as impressive from bottle as it was from barrel. Inky, voluptuous and wonderfully vivid, the 2014 has so much to offer. A rush of inky blue/purplish fruit, exotic spice and floral notes build into the powerful, brooding finish. Two thousand fourteen is an exceptional vintage for Relentless, Shafer's Syrah/Petite Sirah blend."
The Wine Advocate scored this 95+ saying "The 2014 Relentless, made up of 89% Syrah and 11% Petite Sirah, is deep garnet-purple with a pronounced nose of black plums, blackberries and black cherries with touches of fragrant earth, black pepper and Indian spices plus a waft of lavender. Very big, full-bodied, opulent and laden with vibrant black fruits and spicy layers, it has firm, rounded tannins and seamless freshness, finishing long and peppery."
and Jeb Dunnuck scored it 96 saying "Checking in as a blend of 89% Syrah and 11% Petit Sirah, the 2014 Syrah
Relentless is a killer bottle of wine that offers decadent notes of
blackcurrants, barbecued meats, seaweed wrapper, lavender, exotic
pepper, and liquid smoke. This is a rich, unctuous Rhone inspired blend
that packs serious amounts of fruit and richness, yet the elegant,
forward style of the vintage keeps it silky, polished and incredibly
drinkable. While I haven't had every vintage of this cuvee (it was first
made in 1999), my money is on this being up with the top handful of
vintages. It's a blockbuster today (if you're oak adverse, give bottles
2-3 years) but will keep for two decades." Extremely Limited!