Department 66 Others (75cl, 15.2%)

A full-bodied Roussillon red blend from southern France, bottled at 15.2% ABV in a 750ml bottle. Created by winemaker Dave Phinney, it was designed to showcase grape varieties beyond the estate's flagship Grenache. The 2018 vintage blends 70% Grenache, 15% Syrah and 5% each of Carignan, Lledoner Pelut and Mourvèdre, from old head-trained vines around Maury on black schist soils. It ages for 18 months in 30% new French oak barrels, followed by five months of bottle ageing. The 2015 vintage earned 90+ points from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate. The nose shows dark fruit, wet slate and dark chocolate, with dried lavender and garrigue. The palate is rich and velvety, with ripe berry fruit, grainy tannins, star anise and a schist-driven mineral streak. The finish is long, cedar-kissed and balanced by bright acidity.