2018 Orin Swift 8 Years in the Desert California Red Wine 750 ml

Orin Swift 8 Years in the Desert marks the triumphant return of Dave Phinney, the man who practically invented the category of high-octane reds that push the limits of ripeness and exuberance. For an entire generation of wine lovers, Phinney’s best vintages of The Prisoner, Papillon, and Orin Swift are the standard-bearers of the style, and Wine Spectator has called his wines so seamless that his winemaking seems “almost effortless.”

When he sold The Prisoner, a non-compete prevented him from making similar blends for eight full years. Now he’s back, and bringing his best: The 2018 Orin Swift 8 Years in the Desert has everything that fans of his wines always loved: It practically erupts from the glass with raspberry and blackberry jam, cracked peppercorn, tarragon, and vanilla. It’s just as opulent on the palate, with soft, fleshy tannins supporting blueberry and black tea flavors, all of it on a frame that promises another five years of evolution. 

The 2018 Orin Swift 8 Years in the Desert has the structure and balance to both age beautifully and to pair with the most perfectly marbled wagyu beef you can find. Phinney, after all, has been a leading name in California for more than two decades, and has leveraged his contacts for access to the best fruit in the state.

Phinney’s blend is sourced from stellar vineyards, such as Monte Rosso—one of the top vineyards in the world for Zinfandel—as well as Korte, Bismark, and Frei Ranch, among others. The fruit is harvested to maximize ripeness while still maintaining enough of an acid balance to keep it fresh and lively. Eight months in French and American oak have brought the blend together impeccably, and accented the fruit with unforgettable notes of vanilla and baking spice.

This is Dave’s second vintage of 8 Years in the Desert—the first, not surprisingly, was a massive hit. Wine Advocate praised it as “full-bodied, rich and jam-packed with opulent berry preserves and exotic spice layers.” The reviews aren’t yet out for the 2018, which delivers that kind of richness, and then some.

This is a highly allocated wine with extremely limited retail presence, and if Phinney’s past is any guide, this wine will only continue to grow in popularity… not to mention price.