Bright ruby, somewhat staining with thin pink edges.  An initial mineral almost instantly morphs into lovely gameyness. Wildflowers, smoked meat , wet sandpaper and honey, with lacy dark cherry under-things.  Sultry and black–that perfect France-Sud exoticism spread out over what could pass for a CA extraction.  But no wine in California smells or tastes like this, of course.  In the mouth, sharply acidic while almost flabby and light in the fruit department.  Fig and kalamata, while the bite on this thing is seamless enough throughout the entire range of taste, one somewhat gets lost defining whether intense acid, alcohol burn or sharp tannin.  It it consistent throughout.  Air improves the former areas, but does nothing for the latter.  A nice little wine, and a refreshing juxtaposition from the CA-Syrah-teat.  13-5  ♦