Checking in as a blend of 89% Syrah and 11% Petit Sirah, the 2014 Syrah Relentless is a killer bottle of wine that offers decadent notes of blackcurrants, barbecued meats, seaweed wrapper, lavender, exotic pepper, and liquid smoke. This is a rich, unctuous Rhône inspired blend that packs serious amounts of fruit and richness, yet the elegant, forward style of the vintage keeps it silky, polished and incredibly drinkable. While I haven't had every vintage of this cuvee (it was first made in 1999), my money is on this being up with the top handful of vintages. It's a blockbuster today (if you're oak adverse, give bottles 2-3 years) but will keep for two decades. (12/2017)

The 2014 Relentless, made up of 89% Syrah and 11% Petite Sirah, is deep garnet-purple with a pronounced nose of black plums, blackberries and black cherries with touches of fragrant earth, black pepper and Indian spices plus a waft of lavender. Very big, full-bodied, opulent and laden with vibrant black fruits and spicy layers, it has firm, rounded tannins and seamless freshness, finishing long and peppery. 95+ points. (LPB) (1/2018)

The 2014 Relentless is just as impressive from bottle as it was from barrel. Inky, voluptuous and wonderfully vivid, the 2014 has so much to offer. A rush of inky blue/purplish fruit, exotic spice and floral notes build into the powerful, brooding finish. Two thousand fourteen is an exceptional vintage for Relentless, Shafer's Syrah/Petite Sirah blend. (AG) (1/2018

This perennial powerhouse of a wine is a blend of 89% Syrah and 11% Petite Sirah, aged 30 months in 100% new French oak. It offers a hard-hitting intensity of stewed plum, cherry and buttery vanilla, with thick, structured tannins that are firm and integrated. Meat, black licorice and black pepper combine effortlessly and should shine bright after aging. Enjoy from 2029 and beyond. *Cellar Selection* (VB)

Well-built and quite extracted, with tightly wound blackberry, crushed stone and smoky anise notes that build momentum toward big tannins. Needs time. Syrah and Petite Sirah. Best from 2019 through 2028. 3,300 cases made.