We went out with friends last night to celebrate a special event in our lives, and they brought along a young Shafer syrah so I pulled a 2000 Shafer Cabernet Sauvignon out of our cellar to go with it. I have several bottles but this was the first we've opened, and as it was the older wine I volunteered to open it first. Here's a note someone else posted on cellartracker, which is so spot-on that, with thanks to Beezer whoever he or she may be, I'll just quote: "Cloudy color. Screams New World from the get go. Not overdone, floral rose petals, fruity rock. Not too much oak. Good restraint. Aromatics didn't come across on the palate though, fell short there. Holding up well for another "off vintage" wine but its time to drink." Basically, very drinkable but not impressive: drink up.
The 2007 Shafer 'Relentless' Syrah Don and Roxie brought, however, was impressive. An absolutely beguiling violet-infused nose promised a palate of toned, stylish fruit without the excessive weight or sweetness of some Californians, and boy did it deliver. An iron-rich minerality provided a good base for the raspberry and black cherry fruit, bright acidity and pleasing tannins. If more California syrahs tasted like this, I wouldn't have quit drinking them.
Hey, to each his own.