Department 66 2023 Façade, Grenache Gris
With a cool hue of pale, golden straw, the wine reveals a tempting nose of white peaches, fresh lemongrass, jasmine, and citrus pith. Textured and layered on the palate, it pops with ripe Barlett pear,white guava, meringue, and a coating, mineral viscosity by virtue of the famous schistous soils. A tang of vibrant acidity rounds the finish and provides for an energetic lift.
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.
