When decadent, collectible, highly-rated juice crafted by a world-class winemaker is available in the market for a jaw-dropping price, we drop everything we are doing and move Heaven and Earth to get our hands on it. This is exactly the scenario that transpired late last week. Word on the street was that one of the crown jewels of rock-star winemaker and Orin Swift founder Dave Phinney's southern French winery was up for the taking. We were determined to make it ours AND get it at the best price possible. 

Mission accomplished! Today's pre-arrival offer, a seamless blend of Old-World terroir and New World craftsmanship, is the epitome of decadence and today it can be yours for 40% off full market price - just $21 per bottle! 

Dave Phinney sealed his reputation as an iconic craftsman with the establishment of Orin Swift winery in the Napa Valley, but a visit to the vineyards surrounding the village of Maury near the Pyrenées Mountains in France's Languedoc-Roussillon region changed his life. He was fascinated by the terroir and was determined to make wine here that was the highest expression of the land and its native varietals. He realized his dream with the establishment of his winery, Department 66, and the "Painted Scars" is a wondrous achievement.

The name "Painted Scars" is a reference to the artwork that graces the label. For over a decade, Dave has been a massive fan and avid collector of the artist Dr. Lakra, aka Jeronimo Lopez Ramirez, a renowned Mexican artist and tattooist based in Oaxaca. Dave has formed a friendship with Dr. Lakra and is honored to use his amazing image for such a personal wine.

A blend of 70% Grenache and 30% Syrah aged for 15 months in neutral French oak and  sourced from 60- to 100-year-old dry farmed vines grown in soils of black schist and granite, the 2021 Department 66 "Painted Scars" Red Wine has aromas of ripe damson plums, wet stone, black cherries, and a touch of espresso. It is dense, broad, and intense on the palate, with flavors of black plums, blackberries, cassis, and black cherries laced with background notes of earthy minerality and cacao powder. Pliant tannins lend structure without detracting from its silky mouthfeel, and vibrant acidity gives the wine lift and energy.

Check out the press!
95 points, Decanter:
"This blend comes from old vines planted in the foothills of the Pyrenees mountains, which border France and Spain. The label is from Dave Phinney and his Department 66 project in Maury, France. This is a ripe, powerful, full-throttle, hedonistic red wine with a depth as striking as the painted scars on the man's body depicted on the front label. A deep ruby-purple in the glass, with magenta tears staining the rim, it boasts abundant ripe boysenberry and elderberry aromatics, complemented by lavish new cedar wood. Full-bodied and expansive on the palate, the powerful tannins resolve into refined grains, while plush, satiny blueberry and black cherry fruits are washed away by an intensely iron-like mineral and crushed stone finish."

Order the 2021 Department 66 "Painted Scars" Red Wine between now and Wednesday, July 1st, at 4 PM. Orders will be ready for pickup on Friday, July 3rd, after 4 PM.

Alcohol by Volume (ABV %): 15.5%
Producer Name: David Phinney, Department 66
Old World / New World: Old World
Country of Origin: France
Region: Lodi, Côtes de Catalanes, Langiedoc-Roussillon
Vintage: 2021
Grape Varietals: 70% Grenache, 30% Syrah
Wine Style: Dry, full-bodied red
Pack Size: 750ml
Container Style: Glass Burgundy style bottle
Closure Style: Cork