If you're looking for the varietal and regional characteristics typically seen in Crozes Hermitage look elsewhere. This is a flat, featureless landscape of a wine that has little appeal. I tipped out the bottle and opened up something else.

Exactly as my predecessor says. This is a wonderful French Shiraz (Syrah). From the very start, the bouquet, the nose has stewed plums, velvet and old furniture. So different from our raw fruit, young Australian wines. Old oak character is very evident. The fruit is soft and developed. No lingering palate but the virtues are virtues enough. This is a good cheese wine and probably not a keeper. Buy a bottle and see what you think.