Shafer 'Relentless' Syrah 2018
Shafer 'Relentless' Syrah 2018 is the 20th vintage of one of Napa Valley's great Syrahs — a 750mL bottle of 2018, a Syrah with a splash of Petite Sirah (94/6 per Jeb Dunnuck) at 15.8% ABV, aged 20 months in 100% new Allier and Tronçais French oak. It honors long-time Shafer winemaker Elias Fernandez and his relentless pursuit of quality, and the 2018 growing season — lengthy, cool, steady — gave it everything: "layers of blackberry compote, red and black spice, dried black fruit, black tea, tobacco, and earthiness," in the winemaker's words, "all this liquid midnight." The scores agree: 98 from Jeb Dunnuck, 97 from Decanter, 96 from James Suckling. Available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- Vintage / ABV: 2018; 15.8% ABV — 750mL
- Blend: Syrah with a splash of Petite Sirah (94% / 6% per Jeb Dunnuck)
- Vineyards: ridgetop and foothill sites along the Vaca Mountains, just south of the Stags Leap District border
- Aging: 20 months in 100% new Allier and Tronçais French oak
- Scores: JD 98, Decanter 97, JS 96, WE 94, Vinous 95; best after 2026, drinks to 2040
Twenty Vintages of Relentless
Relentless has been Shafer's Syrah statement since the 1999 vintage — a wine that treats Napa Syrah with the same seriousness the estate gives its Hillside Select Cabernet. The 2018 is the 20th vintage, and it may be the best yet: Dunnuck called it "a great Cornas on steroids," Decanter named it the top Relentless ever at 97 points, and Wine Enthusiast's "Best from 2028–2040" drinking window says the cellar has decades of payoff ahead. It comes from the estate's sunniest, rockiest ground — ridgetop and foothill sites along the Vaca Mountains, where Syrah and Petite Sirah hang long in the summer sun building color, aroma, and luxuriant flavor. Shop more red wine or explore the Shafer portfolio at Del Mesa.
Tasting Notes
Dunnuck: dense purple color; rich, loaded notes of blackberries, currants, smoked meats, peppery spice, and violets — "fabulous purity, ripe, polished tannins, and a great finish." Suckling: superb depth and polish, full and focused, blue fruit, long fine tannins, slate and graphite. The winemaker: blackberry compote, red and black spice, dried black fruit, black tea, tobacco, earthiness — "heft and structure along with mouth-coating flavors that go on and on."
How to Enjoy
Decant 1-2 hours if opening now; best after 2026, with a drinking window to 2040. Pair with roasted lamb, grilled prime rib, or braised short ribs — the wine's smoky, peppery depth was built for them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What grapes are in Shafer Relentless?
Syrah with a splash of Petite Sirah — Jeb Dunnuck reports the 2018 as 94% Syrah and 6% Petite Sirah.
What is the alcohol content of 2018 Relentless?
15.8% ABV.
Is Relentless good for cellaring?
Yes — the combination of Petite Sirah's dense tannins and 100% new French oak gives it decades of structure; Wine Enthusiast suggests best from 2028–2040.
Napa Syrah at its most relentless — order the 2018 Shafer Relentless from Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.