Orin Swift 8 Years in the Desert

8 Years in the Dessert Orin Swift. The wine that started it all. Before Orin Swift began producing their own wines, they only grew grapes for other wineries. After years of doing this, they realized they could do it themselves. At that time, Orin Swift only grew Zinfandel. However, this grape is difficult to regulate from vintage to vintage. To ensure consistent quality, they also planted Petit Sirah and Syrah. By adding these two grapes to the blend, a very consistent wine was born. Every eight years, a new label is reused. Thus, each vintage has a different label, and by "walking through the desert for eight years," all the labels are complete.

8 months of wood aging for 8 Years in the Desert

Winemaker Dave Phinney's wine adventure began in 1998 when he went into business for himself and founded his own winery, Orin Swift. He's come a long way, starting with two tons of purchased Zinfandel grapes. After great success with wines like Papillon, The Prisoner, and Abstract, Dave returned to where it all began: his first love, Zinfandel. And that resulted in 8 Years in the Desert. It's a bold red wine blend that brings together different grape varieties. The wine is aged for eight months in oak barrels, after which it's ready for the world to enjoy.

What does 8 Years in the Desert taste like?

Opening this wine felt like a journey through the desert. The pleasantly warm and dusty nose almost makes you think you're in the desert, yearning for a delicious glass of wine. The aromas of blackberries, black figs, and hints of dark chocolate are appealing. The taste is rejuvenating after that long trek through the sand. Wonderfully soft notes of black currant, plum, chocolate, and leather. The tannins are present but gentle. The finish is phenomenally long, as if you were in an oasis in the middle of the desert.