Starting off the wines from the massive Crozes Hermitage appellation, which butts up against Hermitage on its western edge and spreads out into the flat lands as you move east, the 2012 Crozes Hermitage Hauts de Fief exhibits classic black fruits, smoked meats, charcoal and tobacco-like aromas and flavors. It’s medium to full-bodied, has good fruit, yet falls off slightly through the mid-palate. Nevertheless, it’s a solid, well-made Syrah to drink over the coming 4-5 years.