Orin Swift Blank Stare Sauvignon Blanc 2023
(Russian River Valley, California) - [DM 93] [WE 92] [WS 90]

About the Winery:
Orin Swift Cellars was founded by David in 1998: Orin is his father's middle name and Swift is his mother's maiden name. With two tons of zinfandel and not much else, he spent the next decade making wine for others as well as himself and grew the company into a multi-national brand that now includes 300 acres of vineyards in the Southwest of France. This international ambition has led to projects in Spain, Italy, Corsica, Argentina and other locations around the globe. In 2016, Orin Swift (the brand, remaining inventory and the tasting room in St. Helena) was purchased by E. & J. Gallo Winery. Founder Dave Phinney continues to be involved in a consulting role.

Notes from the Winemaker:
An alluring pale, white gold shimmers in the glass with inviting aromas of white guava, gooseberries, freshly mown grass , kaffir lime and lemongrass. The entry of the 2023 Blank Stare is dominated by mouthwatering acidity and hints of lemon-lime sorbet, starfruit, kiwi and grapefruit rind. A touch of crème fraiche as the palate transitions to a close is met with bright notes of key lime pie and pointed, satiating acidity.

COMPOSITION 
Sauvignon Blanc
 
MATURATION 
70% Fermented in stainless steel tanks
30% Barrel-fermented and aged in French oak , 49% New, four months
 
ALC /VOL 
14.9%

Ratings & Reviews

93 Points - Decanter:
Sourced from Laguna Ranch and other sites in the Russian River Valley. Fermented in stainless steel tanks (30%) and barrel-fermented and aged in French oak (49% new) for four months, it balances freshness and richness. Bright and citrus-driven, with cool wet slate and sea grass character, the wine showcases fantastic weight and richness of citrus fruit, underpinned by laser-focused acidity. The palate is crunchy and textural, with green apple skin tannins and crushed Marcona almonds adding depth and complexity.

92 Points - Wine Enthusiast:
"Savory, salty, mineral aromas lead to a soothing, full body filled out with generous gooseberries, melons and saline accents. The wine shows a spicy oak influence, but retains the grape variety's appealing citrus and fresh herb nuances." - Jim Gordon (March 2024)

90 Points - Wine Spectator:
"Rich and succulent, with nectarine, tangerine, mango puree and Honeycrisp apple flavors. Packs a pure, precise thread of acidity that runs through the center, with litsea oil and saline grace notes on the long finish. Drink now. 3,284 cases made." - MaryAnn Worobiec (April 2024)

Wine Advocate:
"One of only two white wines in the Orin Swift lineup, the 2022 Sauvignon Blanc Blank Stare sources fruit from Gallo's Russian River vineyard at Laguna Ranch and MacMurray Ranch. The nose features scents of melon and grapefruit, with a modest touch of fig, while the medium-bodied plate is slightly creamy, then turns peppery-spicy on the finish." Drink 2024-2026. - Joe Czerwinski (July 2024)