A blend of 94% Syrah and 6% Petite Sirah, the 2018 Relentless
looks to be just about sensational, offering a dense purple color as well as
rich, loaded notes of blackberries, currants, smoked meats, peppery spice, and
violets. Reminding me of a great Cornas on steroids with its gamy, exotic
character paired with beautiful richness, it has fabulous purity, ripe,
polished tannins, and a great finish. This will undoubtedly be a great vintage
for this cuvée, and my money is on it being one of the best yet.
95 points Antonio Galloni Vinous
The 2018 Relentless is silky and polished. In 2018 the blend
includes a relatively high percentage of Petit Syrah, but the wine does not
taste like that at all. Ripe red/purplish berry fruit, lavender, rose petal,
black pepper and sweet spice are laced into the super-expressive finish. This
might be the most refined Relentless ever.
94 Wine Spectator
A compelling blend that marries deep structure with richness
and polish. Features accents of black cherry, grilled anise and smoked pepper,
with refined tannins on the finish.
Winery Notes:
“The ideal 2018 vintage has produced a Relentless that
balances richness and vivacity. There’s heft and structure along with
mouth-coating flavors that go on and on. Uncork this bottle and you’ll find layers
of blackberry compote, red and black spice, dried black fruit, black tea,
tobacco, and earthiness. All this liquid midnight comes with an
undercarriage of ripe tannin that promises much more beauty and opulence in the
decades ahead.” — Shafer winemaker Elias Fernandez
