"Dave’s Painted Scars 2022 is fully loaded—bursting with kirsch, violet pastilles, sweet oak spice, and crushed red rock volcanic minerality. Full-bodied and plush, it shows daring tannins and a long, dark-fruited finish. The blend of 70% Grenache and 30% Syrah comes from old vines planted in the foothills of the Pyrenees Mountains, straddling the border between France and Spain. The label, from Dave Phinney’s Department 66 project in Maury, France, features artwork taken from a page in a 19th-century anatomy book. Mexican tattoo artist Dr Lakra (Jeronimo Lopez Ramirez) used microfibre brushes to apply his distinctive tattoo designs to the man’s skin. Phinney, a long-time admirer and collector of Dr Lakra’s work, selected the image for its arresting detail—you could easily get lost in the owl’s eyes or the woman’s steady gaze on the figure’s right forearm. The same is true of the wine itself: it pulls you in with hypnotic intensity and holds you there with depth, texture, and raw beauty. (Drink between 2025-2033)" -Decanter, 94DE