2008 Relentless®
Release date: September 1, 2011
Suggested California retail: $60.00
“Shafer's annual contribution to the Rhône gene pool is one incredible Syrah” – Steve Heimoff, Wine Enthusiast
2008 Relentless is sourced from a rugged, remote estate vineyard that delivers consistently full, luscious aromas and flavors and a growing season that is one of the finest we've seen. The vintage gave us somewhat smaller clusters, so while there is less of this wine to go around, we believe you'll be pleased with what you'll find in the bottle.
Winemakers notes
"The 2008 is like midnight in a glass. With abundant aromas and flavors of juicy purple fruit, smoked meat, spice, smoke, black plums and berry, it hugs the line between extract and elegance. In the mouth it's full and seamless from first taste through the long finish," writes Shafer winemaker Elias Fernandez.
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.
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.
2008 Relentless Fact Sheet |
Shafer Brochure Finding Our Wines Robert M. Parker Jr.’s The Wine Advocate, December 2010 |
2008 Relentless® – Reviews
“Another thoroughbred in the making is the 2008 Relentless. Full-bodied with sensational extract and richness, its opaque purple color is followed by terrific smoky barbecue notes, full-bodied opulence and tremendous depth, power and richness. This stunning Syrah can be drunk over the next 15-20 years.”
— Robert M. Parker, Jr., The Wine Advocate
“The best Relentless yet. Shows all the muscle, density, richness and range of flavor found in many Shafer reds, yet takes it to another level in this vintage. The aromatics are full and distinct, with loads of dark berry, charcoal, and then as it unfolds touches of black cherry, raspberry, red and black licorice, sailing along and then firming nicely on the finish. Syrah and Petite Sirah.”
— James Laube, Wine Specator
“On-going layers of plums, meaty-skinned blackberry and a persevering earthy soil and fudge cake texture penetrates to an in-your-face tenacity, But thanks to a creamy determination, the wine is subdued enough to enjoy through thick and thin.”
— The Tasting Panel, Publisher Picks
“A first-class Napa syrah that lives up to its name, and an ideal wine with beef, game, robust cheeses.”
— Peter M. Gianotti, Newsday
2008 Relentless® Downloads
Shafer Brochure
2011 Current Releases
The Relentless® Story
2008 Relentless Fact Sheet
Robert M. Parker Jr.’s The Wine Advocate, December 2010
The Spirit of Relentless
Shafer's bold blend of Syrah and Petite Sirah was named to honor winemaker Elias Fernandez and his relentless pursuit of quality.
