Shafer Relentless 2016

I've consistently loved the Relentless cuvée from this team, which is always from a single vineyard and is Syrah-dominated, with about 10% Petite Sirah in the blend. The 2016 Relentless is sensational. Dense purple-hued with a sweet bouquet of jammy blackberries, ground pepper, charcoal, and some smoky, meaty notes, it's a full-bodied, powerful, yet plush, even elegant Syrah that does everything right. Drink it any time over the coming 10-15 years.

This combination of 90% Syrah and 10% Petite Sirah is memorable in its mix of wild herb and violet. Bright, thick layers of blackberry and blueberry dance along a mineral-laden core of crushed rock, wet stone and supple tannins.

The 2016 Relentless is a rich, dense, powerful wine. Thirty-two months in barrel yields a sumptuous Syrah-based wine rich in texture and loaded with personality. Dark red fruit, cedar, tobacco, menthol and dried herbs add complexity to a Syrah-based red built on texture and weight.