Orin Swift 8 Years In The Desert 2020

8 Years in the Desert is our homage to California. Anchored by a distinctly Californian grape varietal, Zinfandel, we have been able to source fruit from across the state and craft a wine that shows off our style. As a result of picking later than most, we have a higher risk of ‘stuck fermentations’ specifically with Zin; our methods have minimized those risks although they still remain year to year. Complemented by structured Petite Sirah and layered Syrah, this blend was carefully selected to be the fourth progression in the series.

Bright violet in the glass, the 2020 8 Years in the Desert is the epitome of our style, the reason we are even here in the first place.

Nose: As it’s being poured, the aromatics hit squarely on the nose with a perception of sweetness: pure brambly raspberry juice and blueberry preserves with a hint of white pepper and High Sierra forest floor. Yet, the perceived sweetness on the nose is just that, perceived, and doesn’t carry through to the palate.

Palate: Lush and enveloping with a beam of acidity, notes of blackberry pie, plum and kirsch flourish. Ultra-round tannins and lingering raspberry, the wine finishes in slow-motion.

Varietal: Zinfandel, Syrah, Petite Sirah