as Szabo says, tastes like cote du rhone, earthy, a bit of cigar box, good length, great value, go get a bottle or 2!!

Big, thick, rich, and hot, this Syrah-based blend (70%) comes across like an overbaked spicy fruit pudding served with earth and leather -- blackberry, raspberry, black pepper, and brown baking spices all mixed together, slight meaty notes lurking in the background, the earthiness keeping it real. These elements are muddled, though, and what rescues it is the acidity, the cran-cherry tang, along with a solid structure despite the pudding-ness. The value is certainly there, and the fruit-spice combination is certainly appealing, but otherwise this is just a decent CdR without much distinction.

My view of this wine is a bit less enthusiastic than others. This is certainly a good CdR, but it seems just pleasant and a bit simple to me. Red fruits, ripe soft, approachable - for current consumption. Would be happier if it was $12.95 than $16.95. As it is, a bit over-priced in my view. Tasted Jan 2015.