Deep ruby colored with medium viscosity legs (14.1% ABV).  The nose has a gamy hint alongside ripe black cherries, black raspberry, plum, cloves, a hint of menthol, black pepper and coffee. The palate is dry with medium (+) acidity and medium tannins that are pretty smooth.  Medium to full bodied- I get flavors that mimic the nose, with a touch less game.  There’s also a licorice component coming through that I quite like.  The finish is medium in length and nicely balanced. The 1% Viognier addition to this Syrah/Shiraz is a Northern Rhone trick to deepen the color (yes, adding the juice of a white grape to Syrah will make it deeper and more enticing), smooths out the rough tannins (which it has achieved nicely) and adds a floral note (which at this low percentage has slipped by me).  Overall this $12 is a screamingly good deal that gets 91 points from me.  Drink this 5 star effort til 2025.  I’m pairing my bottle with shish kebabs and pepper-crusted pork tenderloin.  Salut….