Fruity and dry, but much higher in tannins than most shiraz. Would be too fruity for a merlot, but much too dry for a shiraz. Possibly it's still too young and will be better in a year, or possibly the barrels they used, hard for me to say. It wasn't a bad wine per se, just not at all what I expect from a shiraz. I bought it on another member's high recommendation but think they were referring to another year which is sold out. I should also have noticed it was a screw cap, which should not matter I suppose, but I honestly haven't found a screw capped wine I like.