95pts Decanter

This blend of 70% Grenache and 30% Syrah 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. The image was taken from a page in a
19th-century anatomy book. Mexican tattoo artist Dr. Lakra (a.k.a. Jeronimo Lopez Ramirez) used microfibre brushes to apply his iconic tattoo art to the
man's skin. Phinney, a fan and collector of Dr. Lakra's work, chose this artwork for its captivating details. You could easily get lost in the eyes of the owl or the woman's gaze on his right-hand forearm; such is the mesmerising quality of the piece. Similarly, you can
get lost in this wine and its captivating intensity. A deep ruby-purple in the glass, with magenta tears staining the rim, 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.

Winemaker's Notes

Deep ruby appearance with bright aromas of ripe damson, wet stone, black chocolate and a touch of espresso. Dense, broad and intense with gentle tannins and a very long, mineral finish, with fruit characterized by black plum, blackberry and black fig with background elements of earthy minerality and cacao powder. Very much full–bodied but with plenty of energy.

About the Wine

Painted Scars is a red blend from deep in the foothills of the Pyrenees mountain range that forms the border between France and Spain. Based on old vine Grenache and Syrah, the wine is an homage to the unique soil and climate found in and around the
beautiful village of Maury. Nestled below ancient Cathar castles and massive cliffs of granite and black schist, the vineyards produce tiny yields of intense and complex wines with unmatched opulence and grace.

Dave was introduced to Maury by dear friends in 2008 following the sale of The Prisoner. Since then he has purchased over 300 acres of vineyards and built a winery specifically for those plantings. He has spent the last fifteen years making wines with Richard Case and Bob Doyle, always trying to learn and improve with each vintage. Painted Scars is the culmination of those years and more. 

About the Winery

In 2008, following the sale of The Prisoner, Dave Phinney took friends up on an offer to visit the small town of Maury in the Pyrenees mountains in the South of France. Situated two hours northwest of Barcelona in the Roussillon wine region, Maury is home to black schist soils, granite peaks and blustery Tramontane winds that produce concentrated Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre and Carignan.

Dave returned from the trip with deeds to 40 acres of old vines with a plan to build a winery and produce some of the best wines in the world. The purpose became known as Department 66.

Wines from Department 66 show off the terroir of Maury and the surrounding Agly Valley paired with Dave Phinney’s signature drinkability and rich concentration.

Blend : Grenache and Syrah