Orin Swift 8 Years in the Desert, 2018

Varietal Composition: Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Syrah 

Being stranded in a desert leaves a lot to be desired—how to get back home, where to find food, water and shelter, and thoughts of survival. For eight years in the early 2010s, Orin Swift Cellars was barred from making any Zinfandel wines. From the grape that started everything OSC, the ‘desert’ gave them an opportunity to explore the diverse range of California’s grape varietals. But, as soon as those eight years were up, they had a plan in place to pay homage to our home.

Nose & Taste Notes

The Orin Swift 8 Years in the Desert Red Blend appears almost black at first glance, but upon closer examination, a deep crimson color reveals itself with a hint of purple on the edges. The nose is filled with fragrant notes of ripe blueberry, black plum, wild raspberry, espresso bean, oaky sweetness, and a hint of crème de menthe and cedar. Upon tasting, the sensation is similar to walking through a tunnel of soft velvet with flavors of blackberry jam, reduced strawberry, and a touch of rhubarb. The wine maintains a refreshing acidity throughout the palate and ends with smooth, ripe tannins and a lingering taste of dark chocolate.

Food Pairings

Duck, beef, lamb, smoked meats, dark chocolate, red sauce pasta, carbonara