Shafer "Relentless" Napa Valley Proprietary Red Blend 2019

Decanter : 97 Points

(1/2/2024) Powerful and enticing aromas of Kirsch, toasted cedarwood, caramel, and scored herbs draw you into the glass, revealing even more nuances of late-summer mountain scrub brush balanced by springtime violets. Seductively silky Syrah notes of black cherry, blackberry, white pepper, and charcuterie entice the senses. It is a generous wine with a harmoniously soft palate expression balanced by firm, fine-grained tannins, finishing extremely long with crushed cocoa nibs and blood orange acidity. Syrah and Petite Sirah grapes are harvested from ridgetop and foothill sites along the Vaca Mountains, just south of the Stags Leap District AVA border, aged 20 months in 100% new Allier and Troncais French oak. Drinking Window: 2024 - 2040.

The Wine Independent : 94 Points

(3/8/2023) The 2019 Syrah Relentless is composed of 89% Syrah and 11% Petite Sirah. Deep garnet-purple in color, it needs a lot of swirling to bring out youthful scents of juicy black cherries, blackberry pie, and plum preserves, with underlying suggestions of mocha, cedar chest, Indian spices, and dried mint. The full-bodied palate has a rock-solid structure of firm tannins and plenty of freshness to support the muscular, savory-laced black fruits, finishing long and opulent.

James Suckling : 95 Points

(4/4/2023) Rich and deep dark-fruited character with hints of roast bacon, chocolate and grilled herbs. Full-bodied with a broad, structured palate that has a deep core of dark berry fruit, and an array of plush, velvety tannins that lasts for minutes, leading to a polished, slightly chewy finish. 90% syrah and 10% petit syrah. Better from 2025.

Wine Enthusiast : 96 Points

(12/31/2023) This powerful, rough-hewn wine that contains 11% Petite Sirah holds extremely deep black and blue fruits in a framework of grippy tannins. A tight, reserved expression on the midpalate signals more aging is needed for best enjoyment. The wine's ripe, compelling, late-harvest fruits match the massive structure. Best from 2028–2040. Cellar Selection.

Jeb Dunnuck : 96 Points

(2/16/2023) The 2019 Relentless is mostly Syrah, yet the cuvee always includes a good bit of Petite Sirah, with 11% in the 2019. A deep purple-hued blockbuster of a Syrah, it offers loads of ripe blackberries, ground pepper, sappy herbs, and violet-like aromas and flavors. One of those wines that delivers richness and intensity with no sensation of weight of heaviness, it has terrific balance, ripe tannins, and a great finish. Enjoy bottles over the coming 10-15 years. Maturity 2023 - 2038.