Orin Swift 8 Years In The Desert (Zinfandel Blend) 2020

Category:
 
Red Wines
Sub-Category:  
 
Red Wines
Producer:
 
Orin Swift
Label Name:
 
8 Years In The Desert (Zinfandel Blend)
Vintage:
 
2020
Country:
 
United States
Region:
 
California (North Coast — primarily Napa & Sonoma sourced blocks)
Volume:
 
750ml
ABV:
 
15.8%
Grape(s):
 
Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Syrah
Acidity:
 
4
Tannins:
 
3
Sweetness:
 
1
Body:
 
5
Length:
 
4
Aroma Intensity:
 
4
Best Temperature:
 
16-18°C

Awards/Ratings
Wine Advocate (Robert Parker) 91 for 2020; Wine Spectator 90 for 2020. Wine-Searcher lists aggregated critic reviews around 90–92; later vintages have earned 92–94 from outlets like Decanter and Robert Parker

Tasting Note
Bright violet; aromas of brambly raspberry, blueberry preserves, white pepper and forest floor. Lush palate of blackberry pie, plum and kirsch, with ultra-round tannins, energetic acidity and a lingering raspberry-tinged finish.

Food Pairing
Grilled ribeye, barbecued ribs, lamb chops, pizza; Korean BBQ, char siu, spicy Sichuan beef, hoisin duck, and aged cheeses.

Production Method
Proprietary Zinfandel-based blend fermented from multiple California vineyards; aged ~7–8 months in French oak with roughly 30–50% new oak before bottling.

Vineyard Info
Orin Swift Cellars (founded by Dave Phinney) is a California producer known for bold, modern blends. 8 Years In the Desert honors Zinfandel’s return to the label and is sourced from various California vineyards.