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Orin Swift EIGHT YEARS In the Desert Zin, Petite Sirah, Syrah Napa Valley 2024 750ml
🇺🇸 Black plum, boysenberry, wild blackberry, and chocolate — bold Zinfandel.
Orin Swift EIGHT YEARS In the Desert Zin, Petite Sirah, Syrah Napa Valley 2024 750ml
Winemaker Description
Eight Years in the Desert is the culmination of decades of Orin Swift winemaking — a wine born from an eight-year Zinfandel non-compete agreement entered in 2008 that pushed the team to hone their craft across other varietals, setting the stage for Zinfandel's triumpha...Show More >
Orin Swift EIGHT YEARS In the Desert Zin, Petite Sirah, Syrah Napa Valley 2024 750ml
Winemaker Description
Eight Years in the Desert is the culmination of decades of Orin Swift winemaking — a wine born from an eight-year Zinfandel non-compete agreement entered in 2008 that pushed the team to hone their craft across other varietals, setting the stage for Zinfandel's triumphant return to the lineup.
The 2024 vintage is sourced from vineyards across California, including the historic Monte Rosso vineyard on Sonoma County's Moon Mountain District AVA, as well as Stefani Ranch, Dark Horse, and numerous others. What first catches the eye is the opaque mauve core with a vivid fuchsia rim. The nose opens with aromatics of black plum and boysenberry galette, Tellicherry peppercorn, cedar, and musk. Taut yet supple on entry, the palate delivers wild blackberry, crispy pluot, a hint of fennel, and slate, finishing with soft framing tannins and a close of milk chocolate-covered raspberry.
Expert Review
Wine Advocate 93 Points — Based primarily on Zinfandel (60%, mainly from Sonoma's Dry Creek Valley), with 28% Petite Sirah, 7% Syrah, and 5% other reds. A terrific effort with a perfumed nose of ripe raspberries and hints of stone fruit. Full-bodied (15.4% ABV) and silky-textured, nicely balanced and mouthwatering, with soft tannins on the finish.
Wine Details
Producer: Orin Swift Cellars
Blend: 60% Zinfandel, 28% Petite Sirah, 7% Syrah, 5% other reds
Region: California (Monte Rosso, Dry Creek Valley, and others)
Vintage: 2024
Aging: 8 months in French oak, 32% new
ABV: 15.4%
Size: 750ml
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Wine Information:
Country: United States
Region: California
Sub-Region: Napa Valley
Appellation: Napa County
Variety: Zinfandel
Type: Reds
Size: 750ml
Choose when time is of the essence
Expert Reviews - Prior Vintage 2023
Decanter 94 Points | With super slow maturation in 2023, Dave Phinney’s only concern was, “Will it get ripe?” given the extended hang time of the grapes in this even-keeled, cool vintage. A blend of 74% Zinfandel, 24% Petite Sirah, and 2% Syrah, aged for seven months in 35% new oak. This wine is super fresh and fragrant, with red, black, and blue fruit aromatics, lifted by elegant coriander spice. Medium-bodied with impressive intensity, it is balanced by soaring acid tension, with nuances of sagebrush and cool wet slate adding depth. One of the most structured and fresh expressions of this wine I’ve ever tasted—vibrant, layered, and built to evolve.
The Wine Advocate 90 Points | Sourced primarily from Dry Creek, the 2023 Red Blend 8 Years in the Desert includes 74% Zinfandel, 24% Petite Sirah and 2% Syrah, all aged seven months in 35% new oak. Attractive floral and stone-fruit nuances accent ripe raspberries on the nose, while the full-bodied palate boasts a supple, silky feel that gives way to some tarry notes and a slight green-peppercorn astringency on the finish.
The Wine Spectator 87 Points | A full-throttle red, with concentrated flavors of black currant, espresso, jalapeño and burnt toast. There’s not much finesse, just power and tannins. Zinfandel, Syrah and Petite Sirah. Best after 2026. 54,000 cases made.
