Orin Swift 2018 Eight Years in the Desert, Zinfandel Blend, California

David Swift Phinney founded Orin Swift Cellars 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 brand to what it is today. His wines are all very unique expressions in the art of winemaking with artistic labels that complete the package. Located in St. Helena in heart of Napa Valley he sources grapes from outstanding growers throughout the Valley and beyond.

The 2018 vintage marks the third release of Eight Years in the Desert. Much like the wine, the labels are meant to be a complement to the spirt of the project and an example of the continued efforts of all those involved. As in the two previous vintages, the blend is made up of their favorite lots of Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, and Syrah sourced from vineyards of pedigree, such as Monte Rosso, Bismark, Korte and Frei Ranch. 53% Zinfandel, 23% Syrah, 20% Petite Sirah, 4% Grenache, aged for 8 months in French and American oak, 37% new.

The Wine Advocate scored this 92 points saying "Composed of Zinfandel with Syrah, Petite Sirah and Grenache, the 2018 Red Blend 8 Years in the Desert was aged for eight months in American oak barrels (37% new). Deep garnet-purple colored, it comes roaring out of the glass with notions of baked black cherries, raspberry preserves, blueberry tart and potpourri plus hints of garrigue, tobacco leaf and cinnamon stick. Full-bodied, the richly fruited palate has a pleasantly chewy texture and loads of savory layers coming through on the finish."

The Wine Spectator scored this 91 points saying "Ripe and plump, offering bold flavors of huckleberry, licorice and smoked pepper that finish with succulent tannins. Zinfandel, Syrah, Petite Sirah and Grenache. Drink now through 2025."