Black Friday is Back: 94 Points, Dave Phinney, Half Price
Black Friday week is officially here and we’re kicking it off with the first offer today, to be followed on Friday by eight more incredible offers (with four more coming on Cyber Monday!). Every wine this week is an exceptional value, perfect for gifting or stocking your cellar, but many are in short supply, so move quickly.
To start, we’re leading with a knockout: 2018 Department 66 “Others” Grenache Blend.
Dave Phinney, the mind behind Orin Swift and creator of The Prisoner, took a bold leap when he founded Department 66 in Maury, France. For the first time in his career, he didn’t just buy fruit; he bought the land. Old-vine Grenache rooted in black schist and granite. Wild, sun-soaked slopes near the Spanish border.
And the wine is dark and irresistible. Grenache delivers waves of blackberry and plum, Syrah layering in spice and richness, Carignan grounding it all with that rugged Maury earthiness. Big flavor, big personality, classic Phinney energy.
Dave and his team, led by Richard Case, who joined in 2008, have crafted something truly special here. From the old vine Grenache to the unique terroir of the region, everything about this wine is authentic and full of personality. It’s a true reflection of both the land and the people who have poured their hearts into it.
The 2018 Department 66 ‘Others’ Grenache Blend certainly is a wine that stands out. But before we get into the wine, let me tell you a little story that’ll make you appreciate it even more.
Dive in feet first. The wine is delicious. It’s a great value. You’ll love it.
94 Points, Decanter
Brooding aromas of wet slate, tomato confit and boysenberry, along with lofty-turned earth notes and a pop of red leaf tea. Expansive on entry, with grainy tannins framing a plethora of red, black and blue-toned fruits, tinged with star anise, chocolate, black rum cake and a cedar-kissed finish. Balanced, expressive and layered. Tremendous value. While the D66 flagship label would be Grenache-focused, Dave Phinney and Richard Case had to figure out what to do with the ‘other’ Syrah, Carignan, and Petite Sirah grapes that they have planted on their property. This ‘Others’ is the answer. Leading with 65% Grenache, the rest is Syrah, Carignan, Mourvèdre and Lledoner Pelut.