93pts Wine Advocate

Based primarily on Zinfandel (60%, mainly from Sonoma's Dry Creek Valley), Orin Swift's 2024 Red Blend 8 Years in the Desert also includes 28% Petite Sirah, 7% Syrah and 5% other reds. The largest-production wine in the range this vintage (41,500 cases), it's a terrific effort, with a perfumed nose of ripe raspberries and hints of stone fruit. It's full-bodied (15.4% alcohol) and silky-textured, nicely balanced and mouthwatering, with soft tannins on the finish.

Winemaker Notes

What first catches the eye is the opaque mauve core paired with a vivid fuchsia as it approaches the rim. Coating the glass, the 2024 Eight Years in the Desert opens with aromatics reminiscent of a black plum and boysenberry galette, Tellicherry peppercorn, cedar and musk. Taut yet supple on the entry, the palate exudes notes of wild blackberry, crispy pluot, a hint of fennel and slate. Pleasing texture on the finish, the soft framing tannins lead into a close of milk chocolate covered raspberry.

Winery Description

Orin Swift Cellars, led by winemaker Dave Phinney, is a brand known as much for its creative and evocative expression of art on the front of the bottle as it is the bold, yet finessed styling within the bottle. Based out of Saint Helena, within the prized Napa Valley, Orin Swift features a portfolio of wines that appeal to a variety of senses. It all begins in the vineyard. Sourcing for the Orin Swift family takes Dave across the state of California, with special interest in the Napa Valley, Sonoma County and Santa Barbara area. He sets his sights on small lots within the most coveted vineyards while ensuring that only fruit of the highest quality makes it into the final blend. Every wine in the portfolio, from the vineyard source to the distinct artwork adorning the label, offers a unique point of view while creating a heart-skipping impression.

“There’s a soul to this business.. that soul isn’t just from the people who make wine, it’s from everyone who loves wines that make them feel something.”—Dave Phinney

Blend : Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Syrah