2015 Grenache D66 Vineyards

What is D66 and what a strange bottle? This is a French red wine; its grapes grew on 80-100-year-old vines. The label means “Department 66”. Had the numbers been 6-6-6, then the bottle’s content may have been frightful.

The bottle is a bit different from the norm: the glass is weightier with very darkened brown color. The punt isn’t regular shaped. It is quite deep, nearly 3 inches. The utmost depth has a fine nipple, rather than a simple rounded bottom. Possibly, the glass maker intended for a sommelier or server to manage the pour more easily. Personally, I enjoyed the nipple touching my thumb. (The Punt is getting close to a “6-6-6”)

Here is a solid, drinkable Grenache. First, I enjoyed the feel of the pour. Inside the glass, this French red wine had good deep red color with solid legs. Tasting was smooth, quite palatable, with dark fruit up front: blackberry, Bing cherry, along with light spice. I found Currant as well. The finish was smooth without lingering oak tannin.

D66 red will keep O.K. in a cellar, because the wine maker installed a real cork. Along with serving to guests at social gathers, it will pair with meals. Serve it with Shepard’s pie, wild game dinners of quail, pheasant or venison.