Shafer Relentless 2017

Cellar for up to 15 years. Decant 1 hour before serving. Named “...one of America’s foremost winemaking families...” by the Robb Report, the Shafers have been crafting top Napa wines since the 1970s when John Shafer quit a decades-long career in publishing to make wine. In 1983 he was joined in the new family business by his son Doug and in the 1980s the family spearheaded efforts to get Stags Leap recognised as an AVA. This magnificent red was first made from the 1999 vintage and is named “Relentless” in honour of winemaker Elias Fernandez who still heads up the estate’s winemaking to this day. Fruit is sourced from two vineyards set on the sloping foothills of the Vaca Mountains just to the south of Stags Leap District. The terroir here is well-suited to Syrah, helping to create a brooding, intense red with plenty of richness and depth. Succulent black plum, baked cherries, and savoury herbs dominate on the nose, while the palate offers a dense core of fruit seasoned with gentle hints of spice from 30 months of ageing in new French oak barrels. The ripe yet firm tannins and powerful full body make this a great wine to stash away in the cellar for a few more years. It can also be enjoyed now alongside hearty red meat dishes, and it is recommended to decant the wine for an hour or so before serving to appreciate its true beauty.

Price: £90.80 from 8wines UK