Domaine de la Pertuisane, Cotes Catalanes IGP (France) Grenache 2011

This is the gigantic side of Grenache (despite the fact that the proprietary name means, “The Purple Dwarf).  It is super ripe, but maintains nice character through its elevated alcohol.  Raspberry jam, pepper, leaf, and a firm grip at the end keeps all of the flavors intact — if you like ’em big and ripe, this is for you!  It continues to open in the glass — and the ripeness seems to recede a bit, lending more balance.  Very interesting!