Orin Swift 8 Years In The Desert Red 2022

Overflowing with ripe, dusty red berry fruit, vanilla-tinged, turning to blueberry and revealing dried spices and a sandalwood touch. Full-bodied, silky and deeply fruited at first sip, turning to mixed berry compote, balanced by grippy tannins. This is juicy, and even at this alcohol level, it’s balanced and long.

The wine's name derives from the eight-year noncompete agreement originator Dave Phinney signed when selling his brand The Prisoner. A Zinfandel-based blend, the 2022 Red Blend 8 Years in the Desert kicks off with briary, blackberry-like notions, plus hints of peppery spice and vanilla. It's full-bodied and flavorful but falls away a bit on the mid-palate, then finishes soft and gently dusty.