Shafer 2016 Relentless, Syrah, Napa Valley

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 2016 is a blend of 90% Syrah, 10% Petite Sirah, aged 30 months in 100% new 60-gallon French oak barrels (Allier
& Tronçais).

Tasted from barrel, Vinous scored this 92-95 points saying "The 2016 Relentless is every bit as stellar as it was last year. Silky, nuanced and beautifully persistent in the glass, the 2016 is super-refined. A natural tendency towards extroverted power is nicely tempered in this super-polished and highly nuanced Syrah/Petite Sirah blend from Shafer."

Jeb Dunnuck just scored this 96 points saying "I’ve consistently loved the Relentless cuvée from this team, which is always from a single vineyard and is Syrah-dominated, with about 10% Petite Sirah in the blend. The 2016 Relentless is sensational. Dense purple-hued with a sweet bouquet of jammy blackberries, ground pepper, charcoal, and some smoky, meaty notes, it’s a full-bodied, powerful, yet plush, even elegant Syrah that does everything right. Drink it any time over the coming 10-15 years."