Orin Swift Cellars • Central Coast, California
8 Years in the Desert by Orin Swift Cellars is a powerful, glossy California red blend built around Zinfandel with Petit…8 Years in the Desert by Orin Swift Cellars is a powerful, glossy California red blend built around Zinfandel with Petite Sirah and Syrah, sourced from top sites and aged briefly in French (and sometimes American) oak to preserve plush frui…Learn More »
$1400
/750ml
2016 Retail Average
92
/100
2016 Pro Rating
Generous and hedonistic, Orin Swift’s 2016 8 Years in the Desert pours out dense black raspberry and blackberry compote layered with licorice, baking spice and a faint earthy savor. The Zinfandel‑led blend feels plush and powerful on the palate, with chewy tannins and a long, spicy finish that leaves a trail of dark fruit and cracked pepper.
Smoky barbecue ribs, grilled lamb burgers, spicy Italian sausage pizza
8 Years in the Desert by Orin Swift Cellars is a powerful, glossy California red blend built around Zinfandel with Petite Sirah and Syrah, sourced from top sites and aged briefly in French (and sometimes American) oak to preserve plush fruit. Conceived by winemaker Dave Phinney after an eight‑year contractual exile from making Zinfandel, it’s known for its high alcohol, saturated color, hedonistic dark‑berry richness and spice, and its collectible, art‑driven labels that change with each release.