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Orin Swift Cellars 8 Years in the Desert Zinfandel Blend 2022
New! Exclusive new limited release (#5) from Orin Swift Cellars: 8 Years in The Desert. Eight limited edition bottles will be released – one at a time – for the next eight years. previous vintage 93 Points Robert Parker: "Medium garnet-purple colored, the Orin Swift Zinfandel Blend 8 Years in the Desert delivers notions of stewed plums, baked raspberries and fruitcake with hints of powdered cinnamon, clove oil, tree bark, hoisin and dusty soil. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is chock-full of ripe, spicy black and red fruits, supported by chewy tannins and tons of freshness, finishing long and earthy. 8 Years in the Desert is a blend of 56% Zinfandel, 34% Petite Sirah, 10% Syrah." The Story: Dave has included a personal note for everyone selling the wine on the attached and as to what this release means to him after 8 Years of having not worked with Zinfandel which in context is the varietal that helped cement his career in the industry. Unlike other varietals Dave had to draw on an 8 Year memory of making Zinfandel and knowing that there would be a certain level of expectation of quality from both a wine and packaging elements. During the 8 Year hiatus, there has been a focus and thought regarding the wine and label every single day up until the actual harvest and design could begin which multiplied the effort by a factor of 20. Winery Notes: The fifth chapter in the eight-part Zinfandel epic from legendary winemaker Dave Phinney is finally here. From the beginning, the concept behind 8 Years in the Desert involved creating eight unique labels—one for each vintage. It all started in 2008, when Dave Phinney sold The Prisoner brand. By doing so, he entered an 8-year non-compete where he could barely utter the word Zinfandel. In that 8-year exile, Dave published a book named 8 Years in the Desert which would become the name of his next ode to the Zinfandel grape. With the fifth chapter of 8 Years in the Desert, Orin Swift Cellars has taken the art of Zinfandel to yet another level. We hope you enjoy this wine as much as we enjoyed creating it.
Ratings on Delectable
Sipping Fine Wine 
From Dave Phinney offering, a blend of Zinfandel, Petite Sirah & Syrah, deep Ruby, purple hues, with aromas of berry fruits with sweet spice and forest floor notes. On the palate flavors of blackberry and black cherry with oak, herb and cacao notes. Well integrated on fine tannins, long finish ending with earthy oak character. Pricey but Very nice!
From Dave Phinney offering, a blend of Zinfandel, Petite Sirah & Syrah, deep Ruby, purple hues, with aromas of berry fruits with sweet spice and forest floor notes. On the palate flavors of blackberry and black cherry with oak, herb and cacao notes. Well integrated on fine tannins, long finish ending with earthy oak character. Pricey but Very nice!
9.2Sipping Fine Wine
From Dave Phinney offering, a blend of Zinfandel, Petite Sirah & Syrah, deep Ruby, purple hues, with aromas of berry fruits with sweet spice and forest floor notes. On the palate flavors of blackberry and black cherry with oak, herb and cacao notes. Well integrated on fine tannins, long finish ending with earthy oak character. Pricey but Very nice!
From Dave Phinney offering, a blend of Zinfandel, Petite Sirah & Syrah, deep Ruby, purple hues, with aromas of berry fruits with sweet spice and forest floor notes. On the palate flavors of blackberry and black cherry with oak, herb and cacao notes. Well integrated on fine tannins, long finish ending with earthy oak character. Pricey but Very nice!
9.2
Ray Vanderhoff
Dark ruby/black color with purple highlights. Aromas of ripe blueberries, dark plum, black raspberry, coffee and mint. The palate is fruit forward (but not over the top) featuring blackberry and ripe strawberry jam and a hint of sour cranberry, pomegranate and bittersweet chocolate. Light touch of oak on the medium-plus finish. Balanced acidity. Ripe tannins and nicely developed for such a young (just a baby) wine.
Dark ruby/black color with purple highlights. Aromas of ripe blueberries, dark plum, black raspberry, coffee and mint. The palate is fruit forward (but not over the top) featuring blackberry and ripe strawberry jam and a hint of sour cranberry, pomegranate and bittersweet chocolate. Light touch of oak on the medium-plus finish. Balanced acidity. Ripe tannins and nicely developed for such a young (just a baby) wine.
9.1
Calla Fogarty
Sadly our bottle was stored improperly and smelled like wet cardboard or moldy. I know this is likely down to storage at the liquor store hence the generous rating. I’d try it again from another shop if I see it. Always had good experiences with Orin in the past.
Sadly our bottle was stored improperly and smelled like wet cardboard or moldy. I know this is likely down to storage at the liquor store hence the generous rating. I’d try it again from another shop if I see it. Always had good experiences with Orin in the past.
7.5
Scot Walker
Blueberries, blackberries & raspberries in the nose. Very fruit forward with strawberries, blackberries & chocolate.
Blueberries, blackberries & raspberries in the nose. Very fruit forward with strawberries, blackberries & chocolate.
8.8
See all reviews and ratings on Delectable WARNING: DRINKING DISTILLED SPIRITS, BEER, COOLERS, WINE AND OTHER ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES MAY INCREASE CANCER RISK, AND, DURING PREGNANCY, CAN CAUSE BIRTH DEFECTS.