Shafer Relentless 2013

The first vintage of Relentless from the legendary Shafer Vineyards was in 1999 and is a tribute to long-time winemaker, Elias Fernandez, whose greatest trait is his inexorable pursuit of excellence in winemaking. The 2013 is a blend of mostly Syrah with a tiny portion of Petite Syrah created using fruit from the cooler, southern foothills of the Vaca Mountains. It is a gorgeous wine dense with plum, blackberry, peppery spice, leather and game. In the mouth it is plush and decadent but with superb fruit definition, intriguing floral lift and a wonderfully long finish.