This cuvée takes its name from the Orchis flowers that—after Tribouley banned herbicides in his vineyards—began blossoming around a large crop of rocks that were too large for him to remove. This is the latest vintage of what was formerly called “Serrat den Franc” and it is an explosive testament to the wines of the region, Grenache and organic winemaking.

This deeply expressive wine is a pretty ruby color with a pinkish tinge and is loaded with dramatically concentrated aromatics. Black raspberry syrup and freshly picked blueberry fruit scents envelope notes of almonds, warm pear, cool wood smoke and a dusting cocoa powder. The palate is as unapologetically fruity as it is breathtakingly profound. Juicy red cherry and bright black plum flavors are deftly counterbalanced by notes of smoked meats, wet stone mineral tones and sizzling bacon fat essences that are backed by seemingly ubiquitous flavors of rock thyme. Yes, this wine is absolutely loaded with ripe fruit flavor, but it is structured by muscular tannins and ample acidity. This impressive red pairs with a vast array of hearty winter fare such as rich stews, braised lamb or big, juicy steaks.

*PJ’s is proud to offer Gérard Gauby’s wines and at present we have the 2005 Gauby, Domaine French Other, Blanc Calcinaires/ Muscat $19.99 in stock

—Donald