Orin Swift D66 Grenache

2015 Department 66 D66 Grenache pours super dark and inky in the glass. It begins with intoxicating aromas of blackberry, plum and prunes with lots of cedar, baking spice and vanilla. Tasting reveals big, velvety, concentrated fruit flavors as well as plenty of cola, licorice and even some minerality. It’s a bit like a big over-the-top version of Zin but in Grenache. 80% Grenache, 15% Syrah and 5% Carignan mostly from 60 plus year-old vines in Cotes Catalanes, Languedoc-Roussillon, France. The wine is aged in 30% new French oak for 18 months and then another 5 months in bottle before release.