94pts Decanter

Overflowing with ripe, dusty red berry fruit, vanilla-tinged, turning to blueberry and revealing dried spices and a sandalwood touch. Full-bodied, silky and deeply fruited at first sip, turning to mixed berry compote, balanced by grippy tannins. This is juicy, and even at this alcohol level, it’s balanced and long.

92pts Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

There are almost 50,000 cases of the 2021 Zinfandel Blend 8 Years in the Desert, a mix of Zinfandel, Syrah, Petite Sirah and Grenache. Mixed raspberries, blackberries and blueberries appear on the nose, while the palate is full-bodied, ripe and supple, yet with just enough softly dusty tannins, a velvety texture and no suggestion of raisined fruit. With its amiable nature and fresh, lingering finish, it should win lots of fans.

90pts Wilfred Wong of Wine.com

The 2021 Orin Swift Eight Years in the Desert is a wine of power, extract, and complete palate satisfaction. TASTING NOTES: This wine explodes on the palate with flavors, active berries, and shading of oak. Serve this with a grilled ribeye top with Roquefort blue cheese.

Winemaker Notes

A deep maroon core with a ruby rim, the 2021 Eight Years in the Desert opens with aromas of wild blackberry, pepper, oatmeal raisin cookie, Sequoia forest floor, bay leaf, and spices. The entry is broad and opulent with a mid-palate of brambly raspberry, black cherry, ripe blueberry, and a hint of cacao. The wine has superb length through the finish with ripe tannins and a close of sweet oak.