The history of Orin Swift Cellars began during a “study” abroad trip to Florence in 1995, where founder David Swift Phinney was introduced to wine, how it was made, and got hooked. After graduation, he landed a job as a temporary harvest worker at Robert Mondavi Winery in 1997, which led to his decision to build his own company. In 1998, Phinney founded Orin Swift Cellars, so designated to honor his father’s middle name and 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 for himself, and grew the company into a multinational brand that now includes 300 acres of vineyards in the Southwest of France. This international ambition has led to projects in Spain, Italy, Corsica, Argentina and other locations around the globe.

Most well-known for his iconic The Prisoner, a Zinfandel-based red blend he has since sold to Huneeus Vintners, Orin Swift Cellars produces several other sought-after domestic wines, each with an innovative label or bottle design. These include the cabernet-based Mercury Head, the Bordeaux blend Papillon, and a Chardonnay-based white blend, Machete. His project in the Languedoc-Roussillon region of Southwest France, Department 66, focuses on old-vine Grenache under the D-66 label.

Behold the 2021 Orin Swift 8 Years In The Desert, a captivating red wine hailing from the illustrious Napa Valley in California. This proprietary blend showcases the artistry and expertise of the renowned Orin Swift winery, a producer celebrated for their exceptional craftsmanship and unique expressions of the terroir. With an alcohol content of 15.6%, this wine exudes power and intensity while maintaining a graceful balance.

In the glass, the 2021 Orin Swift 8 Years In The Desert exhibits a deep, garnet hue that hints at the complexity within. The aromas that waft from the glass are a harmonious medley of mixed raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries, creating an inviting bouquet that entices the senses with its sheer vibrancy.

On the palate, this red blend reveals its full-bodied nature, enveloping the taste buds with a luscious and supple texture. While ripe and indulgent, the wine retains a sense of refinement, thanks to the presence of softly dusty tannins that lend a velvety mouthfeel. There is no trace of raisined fruit here, only a pure expression of the fruit's natural essence.

The 2021 Orin Swift 8 Years In The Desert possesses an amiable character that is sure to captivate wine enthusiasts from all walks of life. Its fresh and lingering finish leaves a lasting impression, inviting you to savor each sip and explore the layers of complexity that unfold with every glass.

Acclaimed wine critic Joe Czerwinski of Robert Parker's Wine Advocate awarded this remarkable blend a score of 92, further cementing its status as a wine of exceptional quality. With almost 50,000 cases produced, this wine is a testament to Orin Swift's commitment to excellence and their dedication to creating wines that leave an indelible mark on the palate.

Experience the allure of the 2021 Orin Swift 8 Years In The Desert, a red wine that embodies the spirit and essence of the North Coast's prestigious Napa Valley. Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with a sumptuous meal, this wine is sure to elevate any occasion to new heights of sophistication and pleasure.