NV Locations F4 (Orin Swift) 750 ml

The King’s “Serious” and “Incredible” Brand

Robert Parker, Jr. graduated from the University of Maryland School of Law in 1973. Two years later, the practicing lawyer began to write about wine on the side, taking a cue from Ralph Nader and publishing his own “independent consumer’s guide.” Even as friends and family discouraged Parker from putting too much time and effort into his wine writing — thus risking his “career path” — Parker found himself more and more intrigued by his unpaid preoccupation.

The first issue of The Wine Advocate was published in 1978 and offered free of charge to a mailing list Parker purchased from a handful of fine wine retailers. Six hundred “charter” subscribers signed up for Issue #2.

Unlike other critics, Parker was brash and unequivocal in tone and review. When he was high on a wine, he made that clear — with no uncertainty. When unimpressed, he said so. Rarely over the last 30 years has Parker published glowing reviews of bargain red wines in such abundance like those showered on the work of winemaker David Phinney. You might know Phinney as the founder of Orin Swift and mastermind behind “The Prisoner.”

Seven times in the last 11 years, Dave Phinney authored wines that ranked in the Wine Spectator Top 100. Not to be outdone, Parker was equally emphatic, writing, “As of now, Dave Phinney might be my ‘value winemaker of the year’ candidate. … If there are better wines for under $20 a bottle in the world today, please share that information with The Wine Advocate.”

WineAccess members agreed, snapping up several allocations of “Locations I2” — Phinney’s luscious, high-toned, rich and wildly aromatic blend of Nero d’Avola, Negroamaro, and Barbera — in only a few hours. “Locations F2” and “Locations F3,” Phinney’s great efforts from France’s Rhône Valley and Bordeaux, were even more in demand, lighting up the WineAccess scoreboard for a combined 490 reviews of 4 and 5 stars!

With today’s “Locations F4,” Phinney has taken things to a whole new level. A blend of Grenache, Syrah, and traditional Bordeaux varieties, the “F4” is inky purple in color. Rich, with flamboyant aromas of raspberries, rhubarb, and wild strawberries. Exotic floral undertones of dried rose petals and Mediterranean herbs mingle with sweet tobacco. The attack is full-bodied and ripe, loaded with red-fruit flavors and infused with savory spice. Soft tannins give way to a lengthy vibrant and fresh finish.

$15.99/bottle for one of Robert Parker’s greatest value wines in 30+ years of tasting. 150 cases available until Dave Phinney’s many fans on WineAccess snatch them all up. Shipping included on 6 or more.