2002 Shafer, Relentless, Napa Valley 1x750ml

Vinous 88

(80% syrah with 20% petite sirah) Good full ruby. Musky aromas of bitter chocolate and espresso turned oakier with aeration. Bright, penetrating black raspberry fruit offers excellent intensity but comes across as a bit hard-edged. Turned a bit drier on the back end under its load of oak. [Stephen Tanzer, 01/01/2006]

Robert Parker 95

The brainchild of winemaker/viticulturist Elias Fernandez, the Relentless (a blend of 80% Syrah and 20% Petite Sirah aged 32 months in 100% new French oak) has been a fabulous success since its debut vintage. There are 2,500 cases of this remarkable cuvee. The inky/purple-hued 2002 Relentless possesses a fabulously exuberant, extroverted nose of black fruits, creosote, flowers, and pepper along with huge, sweet blueberry, chocolaty, espresso notes. Flamboyant, rich, full-bodied, and intense, but not overweight, it will drink well for 10-12 years. Shafer Vineyards, one of the most impeccably run wineries in the world, is a wonderful family operation that deserves all the success they have earned. Tel. (707) 944-2877; Fax (707) 944-9454 [Robert M. Parker, Jr., 26/12/2005]

Anticipated maturity: 2005-2017