“Blockbuste” Department 66 Grenache by Dave Phinney

When wine writer, Jeb Dunnuck was still at Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate in April, 2017 he wrote the Department 66 wine is “Rocking Stuff” and a “big blockbuster beauty to drink over the coming decade.”

Phinney and the wine team harvested the 2016 vintage from the winery’s vineyard consisting of vines that range in age from 10-65+ years old. Steep hillsides, black schist and red angile soils make this one of the most compelling wine producing regions in Southern France.

The region is deep in France’s southwest corner, adjacent to the Pyrénées-Orientales mountain range, where old vine Grenache thrives.

Dave aged the 2016 D-66 for 18 months in French oak barrels combining a core of 80% Old Vine Grenache, layered in with 20% Syrah. The wine is broad and expansive with lush textures, dark berries, and intriguing spices. Yum.

From JebDunnuck.com: “The 2016 Côtes Catalanes D66 is a bonafide blockbuster from winemaker Richard Case that does everything right. Loaded with notions of ripe blackberry and currant fruits, chocolate, ground pepper, licorice, and leafy herbs, this puppy hits the palate with full-bodied richness and depth yet stays nicely balanced and light on its feet. Rich, opulent, and decadent are the buzzwords here, and it should keep for 7-8 years. The blend is 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah aged 12 months in barrel.”
95 Points