Fall has kicked off, and with the chillier weather I feel the need for some heart-warming fare.  Cassoulet is on the books and it requires a hearty French red in my opinion.   This wine is a Grenache based blend with some Syrah and Mourvedre that packs a 15% ABV punch and is pretty opaque in the glass.  Ruby in color, it looks a touch cloudy.  On the nose I get white pepper, red plum, red cherry, coffee and charred wood.  The palate is delicious- raspberry and red cherry with lush oak by way of coffee and charcoal.  White pepper notes come out on the mid palate where the tannins start to gently grip.  The acidity is finely balanced and the mouthfeel is great.  Medium to full bodied, this wine has depth and complexity.  The finish is mid length and really shows off the red fruit and tannins.  I am enjoying this wine pre-dinner but think it will go well with my pairing.  Other ideas would be grilled chops, hearty stews or the obvious- a thick steak.  Drink this rather young wine till 2028.  91 points from me and at $27 a pop, 5 stars.  Salut….