Dunnuck 98 – best Relentless ever:
A blend of 94% Syrah and 6% Petite Sirah, the 2018 Relentless looks to be just about sensational, offering a dense purple color as well as rich, loaded notes of blackberries, currants, smoked meats, peppery spice, and violets. Reminding me of a great Cornas on steroids with its gamy, exotic character paired with beautiful richness, it has fabulous purity, ripe, polished tannins, and a great finish. This will undoubtedly be a great vintage for this cuvée, and my money is on it being one of the best yet.
Also best Relentless ever for Vinous:
The 2018 Relentless is fabulous. I can’t remember tasting a Relentless with so much aromatic intensity and finesse. An explosion of aromas and flavors makes a strong first impression. The richness of the fruit is remarkable … this full-bodied, opulent Syrah/Petite Sirah blend shows everything its got.
And the Tasting Panel:
In its 20th vintage - and possibly its most dynamic - this blend of 76% Syrah and 24% Petite Syrah aged 30 months in new, 60-gallon French oak barrels. Teeth-gripping, chalky tannins and dried violets flourish while white-peppered blueberry preserves and anise envelop the palate, whose balanced and structured density is mind-blowing.
This one really does challenge the Hillside this year.