Department 66 D 66 Côtes Catalanes Grenache Blend 2016

D66 is the new release from Orin Swift's winery and vineyards in Maury, France. Don't miss it! 95 Points Jeb Dunnuck: "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." previous vintage 95 Points Robert Parker: "Rocking stuff, the Côtes Catalanes Grenache D66 (80% Grenache and 20% Grenache Blanc) from Richard Floyd boasts a deep, saturated color as well as hedonistic notes of black currants, chocolate, massive crushed rock-like minerality and baking spices. Rich, full-bodied, unctuous and concentrated, yet with considerable purity and freshness, it's a big blockbuster beauty to drink over the coming decade." The small town of Maury is in the outer Roussillon very close to the Spanish border and nestled in the Pyrénées-Orientales where owner Dave Phinney owns approximately 235 acres of mostly Grenache vines with a little Syrah and Carignan.  The majority of the vines were planted more than 60 years ago, with many of the vineyards being even older. The terrain is dominated by black schist with a couple small deposits of Granite and Limestone in red rocky soils known as Angile. Schist is a crystalline rock based soil that retains heat well but is poor in organic nutrients and nitrogens. In other words, these vines really have to struggle. The result is a very dark, concentrated, and rich wine.  The Orin Swift 2015 D66 has a very dark, opaque red color with subtle aromas of toasted oak, ripe blueberry jam and dried rose petal. The entry is mouth coating and lush. Opulent plum and ultra ripe cherry are balanced with asian spices and a bright vein of minerality and acidity that give great structure, weight and balance to the long finish. The tannin chains are long and will lend to ageability for 5 to 10 years. A delicious blend of Syrah, Grenache and Carignan.

Save