Shafer 2017 Relentless, Syrah, Napa Valley

From Shafer Vineyards comes this incredible Syrah that's named for their winemaker Elia Fernandez, whose 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 2017 is the latest release, aged 30 months in 100% new French oak barrels, Allier and Tronçais.

Tasting Panel Magazine scored this 98 points saying "We taste this proprietary blend of Syrah (86%) and Petite Sirah (14%) almost every vintage, and this time we admired the elevated elegance of its structure, with silkier tannins than we recall in former bottlings. Grown on a small ridgetop just south of the Stags Leap District, the grapes experienced a lengthy hang time, and the result is stunning: Chocolate, black plum, slate, black olive, and leather reveal themselves in the opaque, carmine black–hued liquid, which aged 30 months in 100% new French oak and has an ABV of 15.8%."

Jeb Dunnuck scored this 94 points saying "While I don't think the 2017 Relentless will match the 2018, it's nevertheless a beautiful Syrah that offers lots of smoky dark berry fruits, barbecue notes, spice, and meaty nuances in a rich, pure, nicely textured, medium to full-bodied package. It's going to evolve gracefully for a solid 10-12 years."

Wine Spectator scored this 94 points saying "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. Syrah and Petite Sirah. Drink now through 2030."