2 hour decant. Still ruby-colored, with no sign of browning or bricking. Minimal sediment for an 18 year old wine. White pepper on the nose, with subdued earthy fruit. Nicely integrated acidity and an aggressively silky texture that I enjoyed but which turned my SIL off of the wine completely. Redfruits (Raspberry, sour cherry) and leather on the palate. Long, lingering finish.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Late night session at Maison Dakota. Drank in Grassl 1855. Appearance is clear, deep intensity, purplish ruby colour. Legs. Nose is clean, pronounced intensity, with aromas of black licorice, blackberries, black cherries, vanilla cream, sweet spices. Developing. On the palate, dry, high acidity, high alcohol (14.9%), smooth high tannins, full body. Pronounced flavour intensity, with flavours of sweet peppery spices, integrated sweet creamy vanilla oak, blackberries, black cherries, chocolate, licorice. Long finish. Very good quality. Very well-made. Alcohol heat not felt. Great mouth-feel, so well integrated. Undeniably New World style but this is just so good. No point ageing this any further. 78% Syrah, 22% Petit Sirah.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
Still has a great nose of dark fruit. Ramon’s and structure have faded from my initial tastings. Glad I drank it now. Still very enjoyable but vibrant fruit of the palate mellowed.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Luis' "Bring a very good bottle" event: Poured alongside the 2009 Saxum Broken Stones, this was the more balanced of the two. This also had more pure fruit. This is very modern and tasty in a fruit-forward way.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Mixed Wines at Tilia (Tilia, Mpls): A blend of 78% Syrah and 22 Petit Sirah. This drinking fairly well, but I think on the downward slope. There is some nice meat and blood meal on the nose with big blackberry and boysenberry fruits, lot of pepper on the palate, full bodied and powerful with some heat on the finish. This does have a silky glycerin infused texture.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
My wife and I opened this bottle from the cellar just today. It had brilliant deep aromas, visually stunning and dark intense coloration, smooth earthy and floral tones, a long clean finish and complete palate coverage. We have three more bottles that we will not hesitate to either drink if the mood is right, or save for years to come.
3 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
Outstanding bottle of wine, beautiful nose, loads of dark fruit, roasted meats and great balance. The finish is long. Drinking great now and for years into the future. I am disappointed that this is our last bottle.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Big dark fruit balanced by good tannins. By the last sip it is really fruit forward but earlier it has a great balance flavor with good spice and lots of layers.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
As expected, this is an exceptional wine, seems to be drinking at peak and showing no signs of imminent decline given its eleven years of age. Comprised of 78% Syrah and 22% Petite Sirah. Aromatic fragrances of smoked meat, black pepper, freshly baked blueberry cobbler, purple flowers, and some herbal notes. Complex flavors of crusty blueberry cobbler, spicy black raspberry, black coffee, black olive, and some dark, moist earthy loam. Rich, meaty texture displaying a harmonious balanced mouthfeel, leading to an extremely long, satisfying finish. This is the best of all the Relentless Syrahs I've enjoyed to date. Impressive.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
Stunning as usual from this winery. Amazing fruit, tannin and earth with worn leather notes, with a espresso, dark chocolate and tobacco leaf finish. Complexity and tannins package this perfectly. Had with various cuts of grilled meats. Perfect pairing.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
We had this side by side with my friend's 2008 Relentless which was Spectator wine of the year. First off, the 2008 was amazing and deserves all of the accolades. the 2005, still is no slouch. We decanted both and poured back in bottles to take to restaurant. The '05 is complex and big. Perhaps not as balanced as the '08. On the nose it does have a hint of wet leather to go with the dark fruit. On the palate a pleasant mix of spice, dark berry fruit and plum from the Petite Syrah.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Bold and big. But not opulent or overripe. Excellent layering of fruit, tannins, earthiness and spices with a full and long finish. Really showing its depth at this age and still has lots of life given tannins and fruit. Though its going to be hard to hold onto the rest of these for much longer. Drank with grilled filet.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Had this as one of 6 wines (5 reds) at a Shafer Wine night steak dinner. We were able to decant it and let it sit for about 15 minutes before drinking it. At least one of my group felt this was the WOTN. We still had some left when the steaks arrived and it went well with them.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Going back 4 years before it won wine of the year. Still a solid offering with spice that's fairly acidic and earthy. After decanting and opening up its a bit more delicate.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Vielleicht ein bisschen zugänglicher,weil er in einem Weinlager eines Geschäftes lag(sicher nicht bei 12°C über die Jahre). Dunkelrot Schwarzer Kern. Dunkelfruchtig,Brombeeren,Cassis,Lakritze zwischendurch auch pflaumig,pfeffrig,wirklich würzig,Speck,leicht rauchig. Sehr dicht,konzentriert,fleischig,reich,vollmundig ,eher schmelzig-samtig,gut integriert leicht körniges Tannin,gutes Säurerückgrat,passender Alkohollevel. Insgesamt sehr gute Balance aller Komponenten. Langer dunkelfruchtiger Abgang. Dieser Relentless gefällt mir in seiner dunkelfruchtigen,reichen,fleischigen,balancierten Art sehr gut. Sehr schön vollmundig, jetzt zu geniessender Wein aber hat sicher auch 10-15 Jahre Alterungspotential.
Dark red with black core. dark fruits,blackberries,cassis,licorice,plums,peppery,really spicy and smoked bacon. dense,concentrated,meaty,rich,mouth filling,velvety,good integrated easy grained tannins,good acidity backbone. Really good balance from all components. Long dark fruits aftertaste. really a good dark fruits,rich,meaty,balanced Relentless.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
I discovered this miracle in 2008, in the Stockholm archipelago where the the founders of the company I worked at offered it. Super Syrah, black fruit, ink, leather and other tastes I don't have words for. Medium/full bodied, lingering after taste. Super intensive when opened, perfect after 1 hour in decanter, weak after 3h. As always, a huge pleasure. My only serious concerns with this stuff is the availability in Sweden - kindly increase the allocation, Doug!
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Tasted this wine at my year end wine gathering at Jade Palace Restaurant.
Made up of 78% Syrah and 22% Petit Syrah. A firm and serious wine, with some thickness and viscosity in the body. Style of this wine is closer to a Rhone Syrah than a Barossa Shiraz.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Tasted blind at the "Rhone Wine tasting" conducted at the Bistro Provence, Bethesda Color very dark, some purple at the rim; "Young wine" feel on the nose, quite grapey with tannin, fruit and acidity; surprisingly soft on the palate, then comes some tannin. after a while it seemed to become more one-dimensional and noticeably sweeter on the palate. I seemed to smell/taste some Grenache and went to the Southern Rhone… Only 7000 miles off… should have ben more suspicious when the wine seemed to turn sweeter...
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
A bit more alcohol on the finish than I normally care for, but this wine is still very good. Developing the dusty oak notes that I find as many of these wines age and really enjoy.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
One hour decant. Lovely deep purple color. Everything in balance. I never thought I'd use the term 'elegant' when describing a Relentless but here I go. This wine is elegant with wonderful red and black fruits, along with some raspberry licorice notes. Enjoy.
2 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
Dark fruit on the nose, touch of spice as well. Dark Purple color and full body on the palate. Still had plenty of tannin left and the acidity was well balanced. Long finish. Dark Purple fruit, cedar and just a hint of spice. Could have aged a few more years without decline. Went well with dinner. Enjoy now - next 5 years+
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Christmas Day 2013 (Pine Close): Poured through Vinturi and left to air in decanter for 3 hours. Dark opaque almost black colour. Beautiful aromas of vanilla oak, blueberries, and chocolate. On the palate, blueberries, blackberries, and slight white pepper with a mild sour herb towards the finish. Very smooth and a little creamy mouth-feel. Long finish. So good that the alcohol was hardly felt.
2 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
Aerated with a Vinturi and decanted for 2 hours. Nose of blackberry, mocha, cedar, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla and forest floor. Dark berries, mocha and baking spice on the palate lead to a long, velvety smooth, finish. Full bodied with a firm tannic structure. Well made with excellent secondary notes that evolved over time. Paired with filet and a port wine sauce.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Decanted and continued to soften. Dark and quite opaque. Nose of forest with a hint of mint and vanilla. Full bodied and perfect pairing with grilled skirt steaks. Acid tannins and fruit all well balanced.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
As usual with Relentless, this is a big wine - the 22% Petite Sirah packs an additional punch. Paired with lamb chops and enjoyed with good friends, the bottle went way too fast. One more bottle left...
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Really big Syrah and the Petite Sirah must be adding the blackness, a big wine. Leggy with a heady aroma if a bit alcoholic but overall all big components have it in good balance. Great with rack of lamb and continue to enjoy for another hour.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
oscar nite: earth and blueberry nose; very lush mixed plum, blackberry and blueberry; some tobacco leaf; obvious oak that is held in check by the big fruit; softer fruit and less pepper on the finish makes this seem flabbier than i recall. (thanks, B/B)
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Outstanding. Damn good juice. Syrah like I like it. Lots of deep aromas of dark fruits, something leathery, minerally. Bold and dominannt flavors of the same. Delicious acid to balance out the fruit and tannin. Well structured. Tasted May/June 2012.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Decanted for 1/2 hour. Pitch black/purple. Incredibly well balanced herbs, leather, black cherry. Mouth coating, long finish. Powerful wine. This was much better than my last bottle as the secondary flavors have now emerged.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Nose: black fruit jam, blueberry, vanilla, cedar and pepper. Hot nose. Palate: dark fruit, cherry, blackberry, vanilla, sld hammy fruit. Finish: quite flashy with blackberry, spice, pepper and vanilla. Somewhat hot.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
Pitch dark purple. Dark cherries, boysenberry and maple syrup on the nose. Sour cherries and blackberries are very dominant which coated my entire mouth. Sweetness on the front palate but tannic structure takes over, however, it is well integrated with the fruit so the finish is very smooth and balanced. Make no mistake - this is a BIG wine! Could easily cellar for another 10 to 12 yrs and will be interesting to taste my other bottle in 4 to 5 yrs. Excellent - 94 pt wine. I have tasted other Shafer's and Relentless is my favorite due to the fruit and complexity of the wine.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Took two bottles to a dinner party along with several other wines. This was by far the crowd favorite. Folks couldn't stop raving about it. This is a big, big wine, but in a very, very good way. Has the characteristic leather and tobacco notes, but the balance here is just stunning. One of my all time favorite wines and drinking just spectacularly right now. Sadly, they wolfed down my last two bottles of this vintage.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Decanted and poured for last holiday dinner of 2011 with the family. Time has not been good to this wine. The fruit has muted, the tannins have subsided but no secondary flavors are particularly noticable. Hopefully this is just in a dumb phase.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Decanted a couple hours prior to drinking. Tannins nicely integrated allowing the juice to coat my tasted buds perfectly. Complex flavors of dark fruit flavors, sage and cedar. Lengthy finish. Always an interesting and consistently well made Syrah.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Relentless power. We decanted it for 35minutes but even after one hour the wine was still powering on. Very dark concentrated in colour. On the nose it's full on oak notes and although the initial caramel notes mellow the oak steamrolls any other aroma. On the palate it is big, powerfull, ripe. Unfortunately the oak and extraction take away any complexity. Sometimes less is more. 90 at the moment and young, but not sure what time will bring for this wine. Needs food.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Corks: Over the Top (Rossford, OH): Interesting. Intense. Dark, medium structure and body, ripe. I taste the Petite here, with that narrow focus that it gets, like looking through a telescope. Still good, though.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Still a bit young and harsh up front. Consumed at a local restaurant. I was disappointed in the lack of a midpalate or finish. No real layers to this Syrah (88%) / Petite Syrah (22%) blend. Overpriced at the restaurant.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Very dark and concentrated. This is not a subtle wine. Intense dark fruits, pepper, spice, charcoal. Needed decanting to really open up. Powerful, but a little lacking in complexity.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
diep rood, volle neus, sexy , vanille, rood fruit, aantrekkelijk, modern, smaak is heftig met veel passie en warmte, fruitbommetje, wel lekkerrrr, veel inhoud en breedte, mondvullend, romig, zacht, verleidelijke wijn, licht hoerig, maar wel op stijl
Very Dark purple, and nearly opaque. Day one this was all smoke, dark currant,and Oak on the nose. I have had this bottling in the past, and it was more fruit forward, with blueberries and smoke the most prominent. This was not so with this vintage. more of a dark currant, extracted fruit plum skin taste. Very concentracted, and very oaky, but the tannins were very refined. Nice long finish. Nice in it's own way, but not as flexible as some bottles we had opend for the Christmas evening dinner festivities.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Concentrated oak-filled piece of paddle wood with liquid smoke and fresh herbs. I've drank this vintage in the past and I think the oak over took the fruits in this particular bottle. Solid bottling, but needs more time in cellar, 2-3 years.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Double decanted and drank over ~ 2 hours. This is a rich full bodied wine with a very long finish. Deep dark purple in color and tons of ripe berries it is a pleasure to drink with or without food as long as you can share it with a friend.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Very good bold wine. Had with a NY Strip steak. Let decant for 1 hour before drinking. Slight hint of oak at the finish. Bursting with intense fruit on first taste.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Flamboyant and flashy in style with heavy notes of toast, hot soil, espresso roast, and black raspberries. Medium to full bodied on the palate, straightforward and bit stingy, lacking expansiveness or complexity. Moderately tannic. Short.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Brought to a party. Did not take detailed notes, but this was the hit of the party. Lots of purple fruit, not much oak. Extremely well balanced. Just yummy. I brought two bottles, we drank one and my girlfriend stole the other to take home with her. She promises she'll only drink it with me. I intend to hold her to it.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
2005 Syrah Horizontal representing 4 continents (Casa Tomek): Large scaled and dark as night. Not a particularly expressive on the nose but smooth and easy to drink. Nice example of syrah that showcased the petite that is part of the blend. My #6 WOTN, the group's #4.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Decanted for 3-4 hours. In your face knock out punch. Dark, brambly heavy duty black fruit with long, lingering spicy finish. Top Relentless vintage we've drank!
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Stewy black fruit, coffee, vanilla, green pepper, and light Christmas-y spices. Thick and hot on the tongue. Low acidity. This is a heavy syrah but I don't think it's a particularly good one.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Very dark, almost purple in color. Some dark fruit on the nose. Fantastic, fully bodied, lots of dark fruit and plum. Decanted for about an hour, but tannins are still not fully settled, slightly dry and short finish. Huge fine, will probably be better in 2-3 years.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Trip to Napa/Sonoma; 11/7/2009-11/14/2009 (Napa/Sonoma): This was disappointing and certainly not as good as the '06. Fruity nose with perceptible alcohol. Concentrated fruity palate, with stewed fruits going into a lengthy finish with strong amount of heat on the back end. Some port characteristics. I was surprised the winery was serving this given how out of balance it was, seemed to be overdone and hot. Disappointing. Serving slightly below room temp may help.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Had a wine tasting party at my house with 5 other couples. Had 3 whites and 4 reds. I brought this as I assumed there would be cab/merlot and this would be a good comparison. Ended up as WOTN. Opened the bottle about 4 hours prior to the event as I assumed the 05 would just be too young. I tasted some immediately upon opening and the tannins overpowered everything. With some open time and glass swirling, got a nose of blackberry and oak. The palate was dark fruit (plum was mentioned), vanilla and spice. Its almost black and full bodied with a strong finish. For my taste, this needs a couple of years to mellow out and it should be amazing at that point as its very good now.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
I can apprecate this interesting California syrah but I don't love it. About as dark as wine can get, essentially black. The nose is ultra fruity (blackberry) - but ultra oaky too (vanilla, chocolate). The balance is better on the palate, but it tastes frankly sweet even though technically it is dry. The attack, mid palate and finish are all the same. I don't expect, not do I want, Cote Rotie in my California syrah, but my palate would have appreciated a bit more structure, even though there is 22% petite sirah in the blend for that purpose according to the winemaker. Still, it's impressive for what it is.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
third time in two weeks. singing raspberry pie on the nose. not so overly woody on the nose as I have found this wine in the past. It has been open for an undetermined amount of time. air makes the wood settle is my thoughts here. chocolate, wood, vanillin on the palate. there you are...wood. monster of a wine.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
American Syrah (Waterford Wines Milwaukee): roast coffee and some smoke on the nose. black notes on top of red, no black fruit. black top too. structure makes this tough to approach now. lingering notes of a dark forest. with black olive too.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Dark black fruit and gingerbread (oak) tastes. Suprisingly lively across the palate. Big, but a very drinkable big. The finish is hot and short. Just opened and I would attribute my last comments to this. Rather fun to drink.
2 hours in: black pepper, smoke, vibrant black fruit, oak is down in the body. You can definately taste the Petite Sirah tannins in it. The back is "simple" but I think that is because its not quite open yet. A big boy.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
getting close to cedary in it's barrel treatment. big chocolate and noticable alcohol called out. for me just a bit too much of the oak influence right now to be that enjoyable. big structure, really just too much acid and wood tannin for right now.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Second day open and a bit man handled at that. And just screaming right now. Not sure I would go to $70 but I would go close. Which is saying allot for me.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
I did not have time to decant so I'm scoring this on my projected scale since it was very good but did not open up nearly enough...I will also keep this cellared for a few years before opening another...very interesting, earthy nose...huge fruit.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Medium-full bodied, deep relentless (ha ...) fruit, rich and tasty, but I felt it was rather one-dimensional and lacks serious depth. It no doubt excels in that particular dimension (lushness), but it needs more to go further for me.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Deep purple. Intense nose of blackberries, blackcurrant and oak. Full-bodied, intense and fat black juicy syrah with just hints of more rustique elements and licorice to make it interesting. Show a bit of heat and is too oaky. I really liked the 02 version (until it shut down) and also enjoyed the 01. Since then every vintage seems to disappoint me.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Tasted at winery – deep ruby, clear. Tight youthful nose of black fruits, spice, new leather with hints of red fruits and truffle. Flavours of plum, black cherries and vanilla. Full body, medium to high acidity, lots of firm tannins with a medium to long finish. Needs time. Excellent. 90+
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
80/20 Syrah/Petit Sirah that spent 30 months in 100% new French oak.
I was speechless. Incredible nose of coffee, chambord, baking spice, pepper and vanilla. Ultra ripe and rich. Full bodied, fruit forward and balanced. Tons of ripe blueberry on the nearly neverending finish.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
3/24/2023 - Delund Likes this wine: 92 Points
2 hour decant. Still ruby-colored, with no sign of browning or bricking. Minimal sediment for an 18 year old wine. White pepper on the nose, with subdued earthy fruit. Nicely integrated acidity and an aggressively silky texture that I enjoyed but which turned my SIL off of the wine completely. Redfruits (Raspberry, sour cherry) and leather on the palate. Long, lingering finish.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
12/15/2020 - Ridgerunner Likes this wine: 95 Points
A terrific wine from a really very good vintage!
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
5/30/2020 - ejg3333 Likes this wine: 92 Points
Aging so well. Still in a great place but def drink up!
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
7/2/2019 - Derek Darth Taster wrote: 95 Points
Late night session at Maison Dakota. Drank in Grassl 1855.
Appearance is clear, deep intensity, purplish ruby colour. Legs.
Nose is clean, pronounced intensity, with aromas of black licorice, blackberries, black cherries, vanilla cream, sweet spices. Developing.
On the palate, dry, high acidity, high alcohol (14.9%), smooth high tannins, full body. Pronounced flavour intensity, with flavours of sweet peppery spices, integrated sweet creamy vanilla oak, blackberries, black cherries, chocolate, licorice. Long finish.
Very good quality. Very well-made. Alcohol heat not felt. Great mouth-feel, so well integrated. Undeniably New World style but this is just so good. No point ageing this any further.
78% Syrah, 22% Petit Sirah.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
1/11/2019 - noshvegas Likes this wine: 90 Points
Still has a great nose of dark fruit. Ramon’s and structure have faded from my initial tastings. Glad I drank it now. Still very enjoyable but vibrant fruit of the palate mellowed.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
12/8/2018 - galewskj wrote: 91 Points
Luis' "Bring a very good bottle" event: Poured alongside the 2009 Saxum Broken Stones, this was the more balanced of the two. This also had more pure fruit. This is very modern and tasty in a fruit-forward way.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
12/6/2018 - rocknroller wrote: 91 Points
Mixed Wines at Tilia (Tilia, Mpls): A blend of 78% Syrah and 22 Petit Sirah. This drinking fairly well, but I think on the downward slope. There is some nice meat and blood meal on the nose with big blackberry and boysenberry fruits, lot of pepper on the palate, full bodied and powerful with some heat on the finish. This does have a silky glycerin infused texture.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
9/26/2018 - Coachron13 Likes this wine: 93 Points
Excellent. Plenty of drinking window still left. Big fruit still evident.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
7/12/2018 - PAWS Likes this wine: 92 Points
Fabulous - CT drinking window is indeed too tight as this opened up beautifully, no rush.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
2/17/2018 - PerfusionPhD Likes this wine: 95 Points
My wife and I opened this bottle from the cellar just today. It had brilliant deep aromas, visually stunning and dark intense coloration, smooth earthy and floral tones, a long clean finish and complete palate coverage. We have three more bottles that we will not hesitate to either drink if the mood is right, or save for years to come.
3 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
11/17/2017 - Winiac wrote: 91 Points
Delicious to drink on its own, but did not work with tomato based meaty, salty food!
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
11/9/2017 - D3S Likes this wine: 96 Points
Outstanding bottle of wine, beautiful nose, loads of dark fruit, roasted meats and great balance. The finish is long. Drinking great now and for years into the future. I am disappointed that this is our last bottle.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
12/24/2016 - DBunk Likes this wine: 96 Points
Last bottle of a 3 pack. It was fantastic and better than the first but had years ahead of it. Still was amazingly enjoyable with grilled steaks
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
12/18/2016 - blabbott wrote: 93 Points
Big dark fruit balanced by good tannins. By the last sip it is really fruit forward but earlier it has a great balance flavor with good spice and lots of layers.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
11/18/2016 - wmccone54 wrote: 95 Points
As expected, this is an exceptional wine, seems to be drinking at peak and showing no signs of imminent decline given its eleven years of age. Comprised of 78% Syrah and 22% Petite Sirah. Aromatic fragrances of smoked meat, black pepper, freshly baked blueberry cobbler, purple flowers, and some herbal notes. Complex flavors of crusty blueberry cobbler, spicy black raspberry, black coffee, black olive, and some dark, moist earthy loam. Rich, meaty texture displaying a harmonious balanced mouthfeel, leading to an extremely long, satisfying finish. This is the best of all the Relentless Syrahs I've enjoyed to date. Impressive.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
11/11/2016 - bugdoced wrote: 94 Points
Just terrific
In a great drinking spot
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
3/17/2016 - mlawren1 wrote: 92 Points
Plums and cherries finish with a bit of cedar.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
3/6/2016 - SMHalps Likes this wine: 90 Points
Oddball Blends - Blind tasting (Brasserie 8 1/2 - 9 W. 57th Street): This didn't show as well as I expected. It might be on the downside of its drinking window. My last two bottles. Actually my least favorite wine of the night.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
12/24/2015 - DBunk Likes this wine: 96 Points
Stunning as usual from this winery. Amazing fruit, tannin and earth with worn leather notes, with a espresso, dark chocolate and tobacco leaf finish. Complexity and tannins package this perfectly. Had with various cuts of grilled meats. Perfect pairing.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
10/28/2015 - fritza wrote: 92 Points
We had this side by side with my friend's 2008 Relentless which was Spectator wine of the year. First off, the 2008 was amazing and deserves all of the accolades. the 2005, still is no slouch. We decanted both and poured back in bottles to take to restaurant.
The '05 is complex and big. Perhaps not as balanced as the '08. On the nose it does have a hint of wet leather to go with the dark fruit. On the palate a pleasant mix of spice, dark berry fruit and plum from the Petite Syrah.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
10/17/2015 - DBunk wrote: 94 Points
Bold and big. But not opulent or overripe. Excellent layering of fruit, tannins, earthiness and spices with a full and long finish. Really showing its depth at this age and still has lots of life given tannins and fruit. Though its going to be hard to hold onto the rest of these for much longer.
Drank with grilled filet.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
8/25/2015 - SMHalps Likes this wine: 93 Points
Had this as one of 6 wines (5 reds) at a Shafer Wine night steak dinner. We were able to decant it and let it sit for about 15 minutes before drinking it. At least one of my group felt this was the WOTN. We still had some left when the steaks arrived and it went well with them.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
7/30/2015 - cdp1276 Likes this wine: 94 Points
Going back 4 years before it won wine of the year. Still a solid offering with spice that's fairly acidic and earthy. After decanting and opening up its a bit more delicate.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
5/17/2015 - tfharris Likes this wine: 93 Points
unreal.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
2/28/2015 - chitownmb Likes this wine: 92 Points
Still full bodied and bold - it will drink for several more years. Plum and cherry with nice spice
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
2/20/2015 - mlawren1 wrote: 92 Points
cherry and plums finishes with a bit of chocolate on the finish
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
2/4/2015 - winelegends.net Likes this wine: 93 Points
Vielleicht ein bisschen zugänglicher,weil er in einem Weinlager eines Geschäftes lag(sicher nicht bei 12°C über die Jahre).
Dunkelrot Schwarzer Kern.
Dunkelfruchtig,Brombeeren,Cassis,Lakritze zwischendurch auch pflaumig,pfeffrig,wirklich würzig,Speck,leicht rauchig.
Sehr dicht,konzentriert,fleischig,reich,vollmundig ,eher schmelzig-samtig,gut integriert leicht körniges Tannin,gutes Säurerückgrat,passender Alkohollevel.
Insgesamt sehr gute Balance aller Komponenten.
Langer dunkelfruchtiger Abgang.
Dieser Relentless gefällt mir in seiner dunkelfruchtigen,reichen,fleischigen,balancierten Art sehr gut.
Sehr schön vollmundig, jetzt zu geniessender Wein aber hat sicher auch 10-15 Jahre Alterungspotential.
Dark red with black core.
dark fruits,blackberries,cassis,licorice,plums,peppery,really spicy and smoked bacon.
dense,concentrated,meaty,rich,mouth filling,velvety,good integrated easy grained tannins,good acidity backbone.
Really good balance from all components.
Long dark fruits aftertaste.
really a good dark fruits,rich,meaty,balanced Relentless.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
12/23/2014 - JonasH65 Likes this wine: 92 Points
I discovered this miracle in 2008, in the Stockholm archipelago where the the founders of the company I worked at offered it. Super Syrah, black fruit, ink, leather and other tastes I don't have words for. Medium/full bodied, lingering after taste. Super intensive when opened, perfect after 1 hour in decanter, weak after 3h.
As always, a huge pleasure. My only serious concerns with this stuff is the availability in Sweden - kindly increase the allocation, Doug!
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
12/14/2014 - stayhappy21 wrote: 94 Points
Tasted this wine at my year end wine gathering at Jade Palace Restaurant.
Made up of 78% Syrah and 22% Petit Syrah. A firm and serious wine, with some thickness and viscosity in the body. Style of this wine is closer to a Rhone Syrah than a Barossa Shiraz.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
11/21/2014 - mlawren1 wrote: 94 Points
Blackberries and plums. Finishes with a hint of leather
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
6/30/2014 - EvanRose Likes this wine: 93 Points
smooth, big flavor of red fruit, long finish, great mouth feel
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
6/6/2014 - EvanRose Likes this wine: 94 Points
rich, full bodied, enjoyed with my wife dining alfresco at our favorite Itallian restaurant
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
5/16/2014 - mdmcgonigal wrote: 92 Points
Dark berry nose. Tastes of dark and well balanced berries. Just a tad of extra tannin on the very pleasant, lingering finish.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
5/14/2014 - cab blends Likes this wine: 93 Points
Rhone Theme Wine Dinner - Bistro Provence, BEthesda MD: A hint of mint in the finsih. Dark red and clearly not French. Too forward and ripe for French. (William Knight)
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
5/14/2014 - Bandreas wrote: 86 Points
Tasted blind at the "Rhone Wine tasting" conducted at the Bistro Provence, Bethesda
Color very dark, some purple at the rim;
"Young wine" feel on the nose, quite grapey with tannin, fruit and acidity; surprisingly soft on the palate, then comes some tannin.
after a while it seemed to become more one-dimensional and noticeably sweeter on the palate.
I seemed to smell/taste some Grenache and went to the Southern Rhone… Only 7000 miles off… should have ben more suspicious when the wine seemed to turn sweeter...
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
3/16/2014 - VinoDiver Likes this wine: 91 Points
A bit more alcohol on the finish than I normally care for, but this wine is still very good. Developing the dusty oak notes that I find as many of these wines age and really enjoy.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
3/13/2014 - mzmijewski wrote: 91 Points
Deep purple, good fruit, finish modest
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
2/9/2014 - mlawren1 wrote: 88 Points
A bit diluted great wine with plums and cherries but almost like it has been watered down a touch.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
1/30/2014 - mzmijewski wrote: 92 Points
Dark purple, fruit forward, complex
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
1/25/2014 - fredman wrote: 93 Points
One hour decant. Lovely deep purple color. Everything in balance. I never thought I'd use the term 'elegant' when describing a Relentless but here I go. This wine is elegant with wonderful red and black fruits, along with some raspberry licorice notes. Enjoy.
2 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
12/31/2013 - West Coast Wine Likes this wine: 91 Points
Dark fruit on the nose, touch of spice as well. Dark Purple color and full body on the palate. Still had plenty of tannin left and the acidity was well balanced. Long finish. Dark Purple fruit, cedar and just a hint of spice. Could have aged a few more years without decline. Went well with dinner. Enjoy now - next 5 years+
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
12/25/2013 - Derek Darth Taster Likes this wine: 95 Points
Christmas Day 2013 (Pine Close): Poured through Vinturi and left to air in decanter for 3 hours. Dark opaque almost black colour. Beautiful aromas of vanilla oak, blueberries, and chocolate. On the palate, blueberries, blackberries, and slight white pepper with a mild sour herb towards the finish. Very smooth and a little creamy mouth-feel. Long finish. So good that the alcohol was hardly felt.
2 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
12/21/2013 - hoservin wrote: 93 Points
Aerated with a Vinturi and decanted for 2 hours. Nose of blackberry, mocha, cedar, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla and forest floor. Dark berries, mocha and baking spice on the palate lead to a long, velvety smooth, finish. Full bodied with a firm tannic structure. Well made with excellent secondary notes that evolved over time. Paired with filet and a port wine sauce.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
11/11/2013 - tfharris Likes this wine: 92 Points
Such a big wine!
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
10/28/2013 - EvanRose Likes this wine: 93 Points
Lush, dark red fruit, very smooth on the finish
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
9/10/2013 - grapist wrote:
Decanted and continued to soften. Dark and quite opaque. Nose of forest with a hint of mint and vanilla. Full bodied and perfect pairing with grilled skirt steaks. Acid tannins and fruit all well balanced.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
6/15/2013 - sfarwig wrote: 93 Points
As usual with Relentless, this is a big wine - the 22% Petite Sirah packs an additional punch. Paired with lamb chops and enjoyed with good friends, the bottle went way too fast. One more bottle left...
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
4/7/2013 - Double D wrote: 94 Points
Really big Syrah and the Petite Sirah must be adding the blackness, a big wine. Leggy with a heady aroma if a bit alcoholic but overall all big components have it in good balance. Great with rack of lamb and continue to enjoy for another hour.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
3/26/2013 - patwjr Likes this wine: 92 Points
Pnp'd. Opened in the glass, though the PS seems to still have a slight lock on the fruit. Drinkable now, yet can sit a few more years.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
2/26/2013 - wabi47 wrote: 89 Points
oscar nite: earth and blueberry nose; very lush mixed plum, blackberry and blueberry; some tobacco leaf; obvious oak that is held in check by the big fruit; softer fruit and less pepper on the finish makes this seem flabbier than i recall. (thanks, B/B)
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
2/1/2013 - ajfret01 Likes this wine: 93 Points
Great nose and palate. Drink or hold.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
1/1/2013 - Double D wrote: 93 Points
Very smooth at this point, can go some more years.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
11/20/2012 - ckpoole wrote:
Still very rich and full. Great wine.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
9/23/2012 - Steve44 wrote: 93 Points
Great bottle. Decanted, only took about 30 mins to open nicely.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
9/13/2012 - hamiltoncd Likes this wine: 93 Points
An excellent bottle of wine. very complex, and opened over several hours. Great pairing with food.
One of the better bottles I have had recently.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
7/19/2012 - Chris Herron wrote:
Outstanding. Damn good juice. Syrah like I like it. Lots of deep aromas of dark fruits, something leathery, minerally. Bold and dominannt flavors of the same. Delicious acid to balance out the fruit and tannin. Well structured. Tasted May/June 2012.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
5/10/2012 - webbaker wrote: 92 Points
Deep, dark & rich. Slightly phenolic and woody.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
5/10/2012 - HOS Likes this wine: 94 Points
Decanted for 1/2 hour. Pitch black/purple. Incredibly well balanced herbs, leather, black cherry. Mouth coating, long finish. Powerful wine. This was much better than my last bottle as the secondary flavors have now emerged.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
3/31/2012 - RockinCabs wrote: 91 Points
Nose: black fruit jam, blueberry, vanilla, cedar and pepper. Hot nose. Palate: dark fruit, cherry, blackberry, vanilla, sld hammy fruit. Finish: quite flashy with blackberry, spice, pepper and vanilla. Somewhat hot.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
2/24/2012 - Pierre Lim wrote: 94 Points
Pitch dark purple. Dark cherries, boysenberry and maple syrup on the nose. Sour cherries and blackberries are very dominant which coated my entire mouth. Sweetness on the front palate but tannic structure takes over, however, it is well integrated with the fruit so the finish is very smooth and balanced. Make no mistake - this is a BIG wine! Could easily cellar for another 10 to 12 yrs and will be interesting to taste my other bottle in 4 to 5 yrs. Excellent - 94 pt wine. I have tasted other Shafer's and Relentless is my favorite due to the fruit and complexity of the wine.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
2/19/2012 - chefpete wrote: 90 Points
Very nice
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
1/22/2012 - Mark from Plano wrote: 96 Points
Took two bottles to a dinner party along with several other wines. This was by far the crowd favorite. Folks couldn't stop raving about it. This is a big, big wine, but in a very, very good way. Has the characteristic leather and tobacco notes, but the balance here is just stunning. One of my all time favorite wines and drinking just spectacularly right now. Sadly, they wolfed down my last two bottles of this vintage.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
12/27/2011 - HOS Likes this wine: 89 Points
Decanted and poured for last holiday dinner of 2011 with the family. Time has not been good to this wine. The fruit has muted, the tannins have subsided but no secondary flavors are particularly noticable. Hopefully this is just in a dumb phase.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
12/26/2011 - jonysan Likes this wine: 92 Points
Decanted a couple hours prior to drinking. Tannins nicely integrated allowing the juice to coat my tasted buds perfectly. Complex flavors of dark fruit flavors, sage and cedar. Lengthy finish. Always an interesting and consistently well made Syrah.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
12/21/2011 - Papies wrote: 90 Points
Relentless power. We decanted it for 35minutes but even after one hour the wine was still powering on.
Very dark concentrated in colour. On the nose it's full on oak notes and although the initial caramel notes mellow the oak steamrolls any other aroma. On the palate it is big, powerfull, ripe. Unfortunately the oak and extraction take away any complexity. Sometimes less is more. 90 at the moment and young, but not sure what time will bring for this wine. Needs food.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
12/13/2011 - aegerter wrote: 89 Points
Bigger isn't always better!
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
10/22/2011 - Jcbragg wrote: 95 Points
A great wine
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
9/16/2011 - James.michael.watrous wrote: 90 Points
Dark, intense fruit that does not disappoint. Best enjoyed with a big meal. Petite sirah really comes through even at 22%. Will last forever.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
4/14/2011 - joshwoodward wrote: 90 Points
Corks: Over the Top (Rossford, OH): Interesting. Intense. Dark, medium structure and body, ripe. I taste the Petite here, with that narrow focus that it gets, like looking through a telescope. Still good, though.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
4/8/2011 - Pinot Evil wrote: 93 Points
Inky purple rich and full of herbaceous fruit lasting finish.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
3/26/2011 - B Dub wrote: 89 Points
Still a bit young and harsh up front. Consumed at a local restaurant. I was disappointed in the lack of a midpalate or finish. No real layers to this Syrah (88%) / Petite Syrah (22%) blend. Overpriced at the restaurant.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
3/12/2011 - stevenjstein Likes this wine: 91 Points
Very dark and concentrated. This is not a subtle wine. Intense dark fruits, pepper, spice, charcoal. Needed decanting to really open up. Powerful, but a little lacking in complexity.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
3/1/2011 - Biglama wrote: 92 Points
diep rood, volle neus, sexy , vanille, rood fruit, aantrekkelijk, modern, smaak is heftig met veel passie en warmte, fruitbommetje, wel lekkerrrr, veel inhoud en breedte, mondvullend, romig, zacht, verleidelijke wijn, licht hoerig, maar wel op stijl
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comments (1)
2/24/2011 - woofy wrote: 94 Points
This is a solid, concentrated, purple wine, nicely refreshing, still a strong sense of oak, but so enjoyable.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
2/2/2011 - mmontejano wrote: 95 Points
OMG. Great wine. Must find more.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
12/26/2010 - mpricher wrote: 91 Points
Very Dark purple, and nearly opaque. Day one this was all smoke, dark currant,and Oak on the nose. I have had this bottling in the past, and it was more fruit forward, with blueberries and smoke the most prominent. This was not so with this vintage. more of a dark currant, extracted fruit plum skin taste. Very concentracted, and very oaky, but the tannins were very refined. Nice long finish. Nice in it's own way, but not as flexible as some bottles we had opend for the Christmas evening dinner festivities.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
12/26/2010 - raydawgone wrote: 92 Points
Concentrated oak-filled piece of paddle wood with liquid smoke and fresh herbs. I've drank this vintage in the past and I think the oak over took the fruits in this particular bottle. Solid bottling, but needs more time in cellar, 2-3 years.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
12/5/2010 - Wayne Richmon wrote: 93 Points
Double decanted and drank over ~ 2 hours. This is a rich full bodied wine with a very long finish. Deep dark purple in color and tons of ripe berries it is a pleasure to drink with or without food as long as you can share it with a friend.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
11/24/2010 - Ben Christiansen wrote:
Dark, black and brooding. With suprising palate lift and of course, very fierce grip.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
10/2/2010 - veni_vidi_vinum wrote: 89 Points
Very bold. Dark berry and licorice. Harsh nose when the bottle was opened, but after sitting in the glass for a while, it opened up nicely.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
8/17/2010 - Fishboy wrote: 91 Points
Dark red color with vanilla, coffee, dark fruit and some spice notes. Still young.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
8/7/2010 - rtd3 wrote: 95 Points
Very good bold wine. Had with a NY Strip steak. Let decant for 1 hour before drinking. Slight hint of oak at the finish. Bursting with intense fruit on first taste.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
7/20/2010 - wino_tim wrote: 88 Points
Flamboyant and flashy in style with heavy notes of toast, hot soil, espresso roast, and black raspberries. Medium to full bodied on the palate, straightforward and bit stingy, lacking expansiveness or complexity. Moderately tannic. Short.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
7/7/2010 - gnr wrote: 91 Points
Very dark and rich. Like a cab. Love it. But not great with tacos.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
6/13/2010 - patwjr wrote: 92 Points
needs time or more than the 2 hours decant I gave it. still tight though good things are brewing.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
4/23/2010 - adk.dmn Likes this wine: 91 Points
A stand out at parties. Liked it so much, went out and bought more.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
4/21/2010 - Mark from Plano wrote: 93 Points
Brought to a party. Did not take detailed notes, but this was the hit of the party. Lots of purple fruit, not much oak. Extremely well balanced. Just yummy. I brought two bottles, we drank one and my girlfriend stole the other to take home with her. She promises she'll only drink it with me. I intend to hold her to it.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
3/13/2010 - bubbachumps wrote: 93 Points
2005 Syrah Horizontal representing 4 continents (Casa Tomek): Large scaled and dark as night. Not a particularly expressive on the nose but smooth and easy to drink. Nice example of syrah that showcased the petite that is part of the blend. My #6 WOTN, the group's #4.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
2/20/2010 - raydawgone wrote: 95 Points
Decanted for 3-4 hours. In your face knock out punch. Dark, brambly heavy duty black fruit with long, lingering spicy finish. Top Relentless vintage we've drank!
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
1/7/2010 - rmalloy wrote: 86 Points
Stewy black fruit, coffee, vanilla, green pepper, and light Christmas-y spices. Thick and hot on the tongue. Low acidity. This is a heavy syrah but I don't think it's a particularly good one.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
12/28/2009 - Fishboy wrote: 90 Points
Similar notes
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
12/24/2009 - pkbackman wrote: 94 Points
Never disappoints. Big rich raspberry fruit. Just delicious.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
12/15/2009 - D.Callahan wrote: 91 Points
Excellent syrah, full bodied and rich.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
11/26/2009 - marcw23 wrote: 92 Points
Very dark, almost purple in color. Some dark fruit on the nose. Fantastic, fully bodied, lots of dark fruit and plum. Decanted for about an hour, but tannins are still not fully settled, slightly dry and short finish. Huge fine, will probably be better in 2-3 years.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
11/11/2009 - Nutty08 wrote: 86 Points
Trip to Napa/Sonoma; 11/7/2009-11/14/2009 (Napa/Sonoma): This was disappointing and certainly not as good as the '06. Fruity nose with perceptible alcohol. Concentrated fruity palate, with stewed fruits going into a lengthy finish with strong amount of heat on the back end. Some port characteristics. I was surprised the winery was serving this given how out of balance it was, seemed to be overdone and hot. Disappointing. Serving slightly below room temp may help.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
10/10/2009 - Fishboy wrote: 90 Points
Still very young with dark fruit, oak, vanilla and spice notes.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
8/24/2009 - HOS wrote: 92 Points
Had a wine tasting party at my house with 5 other couples. Had 3 whites and 4 reds. I brought this as I assumed there would be cab/merlot and this would be a good comparison. Ended up as WOTN. Opened the bottle about 4 hours prior to the event as I assumed the 05 would just be too young. I tasted some immediately upon opening and the tannins overpowered everything. With some open time and glass swirling, got a nose of blackberry and oak. The palate was dark fruit (plum was mentioned), vanilla and spice. Its almost black and full bodied with a strong finish. For my taste, this needs a couple of years to mellow out and it should be amazing at that point as its very good now.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
8/17/2009 - sdr wrote: 90 Points
I can apprecate this interesting California syrah but I don't love it. About as dark as wine can get, essentially black. The nose is ultra fruity (blackberry) - but ultra oaky too (vanilla, chocolate). The balance is better on the palate, but it tastes frankly sweet even though technically it is dry. The attack, mid palate and finish are all the same. I don't expect, not do I want, Cote Rotie in my California syrah, but my palate would have appreciated a bit more structure, even though there is 22% petite sirah in the blend for that purpose according to the winemaker. Still, it's impressive for what it is.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
7/24/2009 - nzinkgraf wrote:
third time in two weeks. singing raspberry pie on the nose. not so overly woody on the nose as I have found this wine in the past. It has been open for an undetermined amount of time. air makes the wood settle is my thoughts here. chocolate, wood, vanillin on the palate. there you are...wood. monster of a wine.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
7/22/2009 - nzinkgraf wrote:
American Syrah (Waterford Wines Milwaukee): roast coffee and some smoke on the nose. black notes on top of red, no black fruit. black top too. structure makes this tough to approach now. lingering notes of a dark forest. with black olive too.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
7/22/2009 - Ben Christiansen wrote:
Dark black fruit and gingerbread (oak) tastes. Suprisingly lively across the palate. Big, but a very drinkable big. The finish is hot and short. Just opened and I would attribute my last comments to this. Rather fun to drink.
2 hours in: black pepper, smoke, vibrant black fruit, oak is down in the body. You can definately taste the Petite Sirah tannins in it. The back is "simple" but I think that is because its not quite open yet. A big boy.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
7/11/2009 - nzinkgraf wrote:
getting close to cedary in it's barrel treatment. big chocolate and noticable alcohol called out. for me just a bit too much of the oak influence right now to be that enjoyable. big structure, really just too much acid and wood tannin for right now.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
7/10/2009 - Ben Christiansen wrote:
Second day open and a bit man handled at that. And just screaming right now. Not sure I would go to $70 but I would go close. Which is saying allot for me.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
6/19/2009 - jimmyrice14 wrote: 93 Points
I did not have time to decant so I'm scoring this on my projected scale since it was very good but did not open up nearly enough...I will also keep this cellared for a few years before opening another...very interesting, earthy nose...huge fruit.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
5/29/2009 - Hazeo wrote: 90 Points
Medium-full bodied, deep relentless (ha ...) fruit, rich and tasty, but I felt it was rather one-dimensional and lacks serious depth. It no doubt excels in that particular dimension (lushness), but it needs more to go further for me.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
4/25/2009 - gorm wrote: 90 Points
Deep purple. Intense nose of blackberries, blackcurrant and oak. Full-bodied, intense and fat black juicy syrah with just hints of more rustique elements and licorice to make it interesting. Show a bit of heat and is too oaky. I really liked the 02 version (until it shut down) and also enjoyed the 01. Since then every vintage seems to disappoint me.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
3/19/2009 - godx wrote: 90 Points
Tasted at winery – deep ruby, clear. Tight youthful nose of black fruits, spice, new leather with hints of red fruits and truffle. Flavours of plum, black cherries and vanilla. Full body, medium to high acidity, lots of firm tannins with a medium to long finish. Needs time. Excellent. 90+
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
2/28/2009 - Berno wrote: 95 Points
80/20 Syrah/Petit Sirah that spent 30 months in 100% new French oak.
I was speechless. Incredible nose of coffee, chambord, baking spice, pepper and vanilla. Ultra ripe and rich. Full bodied, fruit forward and balanced. Tons of ripe blueberry on the nearly neverending finish.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
2/11/2009 - txfireman wrote: 91 Points
Great body, a little bit disappointed, but then again was drinking against hillside.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
12/7/2007 - cgrant wrote: 92 Points
Good. Needs more time
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment