2003 Shafer Relentless

[winoweenie]

This field blend of 80% Syrah and 20% Petite Sirah is one big mouthfull of juice. Dark almost purple. Let air in the glass for 45 min whilst I finished the herbed baked Chicken breasts. Big entry, heavy center and a 4 lapper finish. Nose has loads of black fruits, spices and decidedly marked by alcohol. All hit the palate. A big game hunters drink. Needs at least another 3-5 to resolve the considerable tannins and for the alc to integrate. 88/83. 65 by the box. 14.9% alc. WW

[winoweenie]

Checked how this brute was coming along last nite. Still not together. Will give it another year before trying again. WW

[winoweenie]

So I gave it 6 months, shoot me. Starting to bcome a very nice civilized bottle of powerful juice. Nose now centered on the fruit and spices with a slight hint of earth and the alc has receded. Still meeds 3-5 to completely come around but is enjoyable enough now to kick it up to a solid 90. WW

[winoweenie]

Opened another yesterday with some left-over black-eyed peas and the combo was just rite to watch the Ravens whop the Fish and Eagles mess with Minn. Very tasty, muscular bottling that's not for wusses. Tannins are fading enough to get the essence of the Syrah out front. Long penetrating finish. Probably sjould kick this sucker up to a 89. WW

[This message has been edited by winoweenie (edited 01-05-2009).]

[winoweenie]

Had another bottle for lunch today with some Dreamfields Linguini and my lovely Turkey/Basil meatloaf all smothered in marinara. Still a mouthfull of juice whose nose is heady as the devil. Probably near the TOIG and I'll be putting awqay the rest of the box over the next year. Definately deserving of a 90. Like the style. WW