95 points,

Rhone Report, The, December 2011

A knockout blend of 75% Syrah and 25% Petite Sirah, the 2008 Shafer Relentless is a full scaled, heady red that stays beautifully balanced and fresh on the palate. Aged for 30 months in 100% new French oak, it delivers spectacular aromatics of smoked blackberries, crème de cassis, tobacco, mineral, and chocolate like nuances that give way to a full-bodied, awesomely concentrated Syrah that is perfectly balanced and oh so drinkable. Despite the overall size here, this has brilliantly integrated acidity and a lightness to the texture that keeps you coming back for another sip. Thrilling stuff and this should age effortlessly for 12-15 years or more.

95 points,

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, December 2010

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.

92 points,

Stephen Tanzer's IWC, June 2011

(15.6% alcohol; contains 25% petite sirah): Bright medium ruby. Lively aromas of blackberry, violet and pepper. Juicy and youthfully imploded, with impressive and energy and definition to the flavors of black cherry, spices and pepper; hides its 15.6% alcohol nicely. Less fleshy but more fruity than the 2007 version. Winemaker Fernandez believes that this wine will last longer than the earlier vintage, and noted that the 1999 version is very good right now. This was bottled a month prior to my March visit.92(+?)

96 points,

Wine Spectator, November 2011

2012 Top 100-Wine Of The Year!The aromatics are full and distinct, with loads of dark berry and charcoal, then this unfolds touches of black cherry, raspberry and red and black licorice on the palate, sailing along and firming nicely on the finish. 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 best Relentless yet. Syrah and Petite Sirah. Best from 2013 through 2023. 3,300 cases made. -JL

About Winery

Shafer Vineyards traces its beginnings to 1972 when John Shafer left a 23-year career in the publishing industry and, with his family, moved to the Napa Valley to pursue a second career in wine. After purchasing a 210-acre estate in Napa Valley's Stags Leap District, the Shafer family faced the arduous task of replanting the existing vineyards, which dated to the 1920s, and terracing the steep and rocky hillsides, eventually expanding vineyard acreage to its current 50 acres.Evolving from grape growers to vintners, the Shafers crushed their first Cabernet grapes in 1978 and began construction on their winery a year later.

The first Shafer Cabernet became a benchmark, winning the acclaimed San Francisco Vintners Club taste-off upon release and, over a decade later taking first place in an international blind tasting held in Germany, where it outranked such wines as Chateau Margaux, Chateau Latour and Chateau Palmer.

Doug Shafer became winemaker in 1983 after graduating from the University of California at Davis with a degree in enology and viticulture. A year later Elias Fernandez joined the winery as assistant winemaker. Together Doug and Elias have worked closely to forge the Shafer style of quality, consistency and elegance.

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