Violets, tapenade and black cherry all interplay on the nose. Deep black cherry and juicy plum flavors meshed with violets and cool strawberry flavors on the palate. One of my favorite wines as it has the freshness and elegance found in Burgundy with the sturdiness of Syrah. The flavours are elegant, long, sweet and refreshing. This is brilliant.

The Domaine Romaneaux-Destezet was created in 1993 by Hervé Souhaut. His holdings on the acidic granite soils of the Northern Rhône and the southern Ardèche are a mixture of new and ancient vines — from 50 to 100 years old. Hervé's holdings are minuscule, only five hectares and he employs only organic viticulture and natural winemaking techniques.

This domaine is one of the most respected producers of wine in the area recognised for producing non interventionist wines 'par excellence'. It was actually this domaine that got me thinking about importing small lots of 'naturally' made wines back in 1998. I stumbled into a shop in Paris quite by accident on my way to a meeting and had an epiphany that began with a bottle of Hervé Souhaut Syrah, I have never looked back.

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