Description
Tasting Notes For Department 66 Painted Scars 2021
Department 66 Painted Scars 2021 is a bold, expressive red from Dave Phinney’s Department 66 project in Maury, in France’s Roussillon region near the foothills of the Pyrenees. Crafted from old-vine Grenache and Syrah, this Côtes Catalanes red reflects the area’s dramatic black schist, granite cliffs, warm Mediterranean climate, and naturally low-yielding vineyards. The wine is aged 15 months in French oak barriques and showcases the power, depth, and polished style associated with Phinney’s wines.
Deep ruby in the glass, Painted Scars opens with aromas of ripe damson, black plum, blackberry, black fig, wet stone, dark chocolate, espresso, and subtle spice. Full-bodied and intense, it offers broad fruit, gentle tannins, earthy minerality, cacao, and a long, energetic finish. Pair it with grilled ribeye, braised short ribs, lamb chops, barbecue, roasted mushrooms, aged cheeses, or richly seasoned Mediterranean dishes.
Critic Ratings
Decanter – Rated 95:
