Orin Swift Cellars 8 Years in the Desert Red Blend 2022
(California) - [TWI 94] [DM 93]

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:
At first glance, the 2022 Eight Years in the Desert looks to be almost black, but after closer inspection, a dark crimson starts to shine through with a tinge of purple on the rim. The nose is rife with notes of ripe blueberry, black plum, wild raspberry, espresso bean, sweet oak and a hint of crème de menthe and cedar. The entry is akin to walking through a tunnel of velvet walls with blackberry jam, reduced strawberry and a touch of rhubarb. Bright acidity throughout the palate, the wine closes with round, ripe tannins, fresh pluot and dark chocolate.

Ratings & Reviews

94 Points - The Wine Independent:
"A blend of Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, and Syrah, the 2022 8 Years in the Desert is deep garnet-purple in color. It sails out with expressive notes of juicy raspberries and ripe blackberries followed by hints of cinnamon stick, unsmoked cigars, and underbrush. The full-bodied palate has a solid backbone of ripe, grainy tannins and seamless freshness to support the dense, muscular fruit, finishing on a lingering licorice note. 2024-2032." - LPB (Feb 2024)

93 Points - Decanter Magazine:
"A proprietary red blend of Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, and Syrah aged seven months in 32% new oak. Brambly red berry fruit, red spices, curry, coriander, cumin, and cedarwood were kissed with vanilla. Round, rich, silken red berry fruits, strawberry preserves, and grilled herbs are harnessed by intricate tannins of fine-grained cedarwood with a long saline mineral finish augmented by crunchy cinnamon-kissed red berry fruits." - Jonathan Cristaldi (Dec 2023)