2014 Relentless:
The first pour offers an endlessly rich density of meaty, smoky, black fruit aromas while the wine saturates the mouth with deep flavors of black licorice, bramble fruit, black pepper, allspice, bacon, and char. All of this opulence is energized with underlying acidity and bound together with structured, ripe tannins built for very long term ageability. — Shafer winemaker Elias Fernandez
The 2014 Growing Season:
This was the third in a string of warm, sun-soaked vintages from spring through early autumn. The consistency of daytime heat and evening coolness created a model growing season in which we harvested fruit with abundant color and concentration, along with enticing, rich aromatics.
Vineyard Location:
A small ridgetop site and a foothills site along the Vaca Mountains just south of Stags Leap District.
Varietal Composition:
89% Syrah
11% Petite Sirah
Cooperage: 30 months in 100% new 60-gallon French oak barrels (Allier & Tronçais)
Alcohol: 15.8%
** Only 8 in Stock **
Shafer's 2014 Relentless is fabulous. The most expressive and varietally expressive of the three vintages of Relentless I tasted. In 2014, Relentless has 11% Petite Sirah, which, along with the personality of the year, kicks up the aromatics and flavors in a meaningful way. Lavender, mint, violets and crème de cassis notes are laced into the super-expressive finish. The 2014 is shaping up to be a real gem.- Antonio Galloni 92-95 Points
