2001 Shafer Relentless - USA, California, Napa Valley (7/15/2006)
WIMLNR,WA91,WS93

Tasted July 15, 2006 at an offline. Opened and served immediately in a Riedel Vinum glass. I think this bottle was opened and about half gone for about an hour before I finally got to it. Still had a nose of brett to me, maybe even a slight whiff of rancid meat. Beyond that I think I could get some bacon fat or maybe roasted meat or perhaps some coffee. I really don’t know. Being brave or insane I actually took a little sip and although it wasn’t bad it was mostly dominated by red berries with an almost “flat” presence on the palate. This was anything but what I remember my last 2001 Relentless to be. I personally think this was a flawed bottle. Therefore no rating or value recommendation. NR (flawed)

2001 Shafer Relentless - USA, California, Napa Valley (8/5/2008) WIML91,PURPLE91 Tasted August 5, 2008. Opened and served immediately (backup bottle). Purple color in the glass, clear hue throughout. Nose of rich boysenberry, smoke, a bit of bacon fat and plums. Flavors of plums, Bing cherries, berries and a little boysenberry on the long finish. Medium acidity, medium to firm tannins, full body. Drink with a decant or continue to hold. (91 pts.)