Shafer Vineyards :: 2007 Relentless®

2007 Relentless®

Release date: September 1, 2010
Suggested California retail: $60.00

“Shafer's annual contribution to the Rhône gene pool is one incredible Syrah” – Steve Heimoff, Wine Enthusiast

This wine honors long-time Shafer Winemaker Elias Fernandez and his relentless pursuit of quality. Sourced from small ridgetop and foothills vineyards adjacent to the southern border of Stags Leap District, the grapes for Relentless are a “field blend” of Syrah and Petite Sirah. This means it's a wine that is literally blended in the vineyard. At harvest the two grape varieties are picked, crushed, fermented and barrel aged as one.

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Syrah and Petite Sirah for Relentless are grown in vineyard blocks that offer a variety of sun exposures throughout the day, including steep eastern blocks for lots of morning sun and westward sloping blocks, offering midday and late day solar exposure. Thanks to its thin, volcanic soil and quick runoff the vineyard consistently delivers effusive flavors.

Relentless is a wine that is literally blended in the vineyard. At harvest the Syrah and Petite Sirah varieties are picked, crushed, fermented and barrel aged together.

Winemaker's Notes
“The 2007 Relentless starts with glass-filling aromas of dark fruit, truffles and grilled meat, which is the Syrah talking. In the mouth the wine is smooth, round and elegant with meaty flavors, black cherry and plum, black tea, and black licorice. The firm, nicely ripen tannins ensure this will age magnificently,” writes Shafer winemaker Elias Fernandez.