Heady, rich, full-throttle red wine with no apologies for its big flavor. Fruits: ripe sweet blueberries, blackberries, chocolate covered strawberries. Black licorice and black pepper pop up as you savor and on the finish. So ripe and rich it’s almost sweet. Gentle tannins and not a lot of oak. This a real “bell ringer” of a red wine that fans of full-flavored Cabernets and red blends are sure to enjoy. Crazy-good deal at $25.
Department 66 Others is old vine Grenache with Syrah, Carignane and Mourvedre accounting for 15-20% of the blend. From the Catalonia region at the bottom of France on the Mediterranean, next to Spain. Toasty weather, moderated by the sea, and vineyards of rock make it perfect for Grenache. Department 66 was started by Napa winemaker/winery owner Dave Phinney. Those familiar with his winemaking style will recognize it in this wine. Others is a fantastic value for a “Phinney Wine.”
