Reviews & Ratings

2011 Shafer Vineyards Syrah & Shiraz (Other than French) "Relentless"

Winery: Shafer Vineyards

Vintage: 2011

Wine Name/Vineyard: "Relentless"

Wine Category: Syrah & Shiraz (Other than French)

Grape blend: 91% Syrah & 9% Petite Sirah

Bottle size: 750 ml

Region: Napa Valley

State or country: CA

Price: $80

Cases produced: 3,300

KWG Score: 93.5 (based on 4 reviews)

Ken's Wine Rating: Very Good+ (93)

Review date: September 17, 2014

Wine Review: This opaque and midnight blue colored Syrah based wine opens with mild blueberry and oak like bouquet. On the palate, this wine is full bodied, nicely balanced, very smooth, silky and approachable. The flavor profile is a tasty mild mineral infused blueberry with hints of plum and gentle oak. The finish is dry and its tannins are controlled and show very nice length. I would serve this Syrah in the near term as it really does not need cellaring. I would pair it with a New York strip steak. Enjoy – Ken

Winemaker Notes: This latest Relentless is all about rich, ripe elegance offering alluring aromas and flavors of classic Syrah meatiness along with black plum, black pepper, black fig, smoke, forest floor and subtle black truffle. The mouthfeel is seamless and round from front of the palate through the finish with a texture that is liquid silk. The finish lingers on and on. This vintage will continue to offer new pleasures with more time in the cellar. A bold wine like Relentless complements similar concentrated flavors found in dishes such as Syrah-braised short ribs, smoked lamb with Relentless reduction, roast duck, as well as beef and game. Aged, dry cheeses such as Cheddar, Abbaye De Belloc, and Manchego also pair deliciously.

Buy it: Use 1000 Corks to find stores that sell Shafer 2011 Relentless.