Orin Swift 8 Years In the Desert 2019

Category:
 
Red Wines
Sub-Category:  
 
Red Wines
Producer:
 
Orin Swift
Label Name:
 
8 Years In the Desert
Vintage:
 
2019
Country:
 
United States
Region:
 
California (North Coast / Napa)
Volume:
 
750ml
ABV:
 
16.1%
Grape(s):
 
Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Syrah
Acidity:
 
3
Tannins:
 
4
Sweetness:
 
1
Body:
 
5
Length:
 
4
Aroma Intensity:
 
4
Best Temperature:
 
16-18°C

Awards/Ratings
Robert Parker (Wine Advocate) 93 points (2019); Wine Spectator ~91 (2019); widely reviewed by Wine-Searcher and critics with 90–94 point assessments depending on vintage

Tasting Note
Dark brambly blackberry and baked raspberry with plum, hoisin, clove, black pepper and chocolate-espresso notes; plush, spicy palate with chewy tannins, lively acidity and a long earthy finish.

Food Pairing
Western: grilled ribeye, BBQ pork ribs, braised short ribs, aged cheddar. Asian: Korean BBQ (bulgogi/galbi), char siu, hoisin-glazed duck, spicy Sichuan-style beef.

Production Method
Fermented as separate lots then blended; aged ~8 months in French and American oak (approximately 63% new) before bottling.

Vineyard Info
Orin Swift Cellars, founded by winemaker Dave Phinney in 1998, produces bold California blends. Based in St. Helena, CA; brand acquired by E. & J. Gallo in 2016.