Critic Scores & User Ratings are based on an aggregated international Global Wine Score (GWS).
Orin Swift 8 Years In The Desert - Item Code: 07659
Tasting Notes and Characteristics:
The first sip of Orin Swift 8 Years In The Desert is like stepping into a sun-drenched orchard at dusk, where ripe blackberries and plums mingle with hints of dark chocolate and cracked pepper. Crafted in the United States, this bold red blend boasts an alcohol by volume of 15.70%, delivering a lush, full-bodied experience that lingers on the palate with notes of toasted oak and sweet spice. Its robust character stands up beautifully to smoky barbecue ribs or the pungent creaminess of blue cheese, making it a perfect companion for hearty meals and lively gatherings alike.
Producer Information: Orin Swift Cellars
Orin Swift Cellars, founded in 1998 by winemaker Dave Phinney in Napa Valley, California, emerged from a passion for blending bold varietals sourced from diverse vineyard sites across the region. The winery’s philosophy centers on meticulous vineyard selection and creative blending, resulting in wines that express both the power and nuance of California terroir. Orin Swift is particularly recognized for its striking label art and evocative storytelling through each bottle. Beyond their flagship blends like The Prisoner before its sale, they craft distinctive wines such as Papillon, a Bordeaux-style red blend; Mercury Head Cabernet Sauvignon; and Abstract, a Grenache-based red blend that highlights fruit from Sonoma County and Mendocino. Their portfolio reflects an adventurous spirit rooted in Napa Valley’s dynamic viticultural landscape while consistently pushing boundaries within the premium California wine category.
Ordering and Delivery Options for this California Red Wine
Alcohol Delivery & Pickup Methods
All alcohol delivery orders will be confirmed by email during business hours within 1 business day. If there are any problems with your order, we will contact you via email. We use the following fulfillment methods:
Planning to pick up a bottle in person? Here’s how to reach our Bronx store from the Metro Botanical Garden station:
Directions:
From the Metro station, Head northwest on Bedford Park Blvd toward Webster Ave (282 ft).
Turn right onto Webster Ave (0.1 mi).
Turn left onto E Mosholu Pkwy S (1.0 mi).
Turn left toward Goulden Ave (0.1 mi).
Turn right onto Goulden Ave (259 ft).
Turn left onto Sedgwick Ave (0.3 mi).
Turn right onto Van Cortlandt Ave W (0.2 mi).
Slight left onto Bailey Ave (0.2 mi).
Turn right onto W 238th St (0.2 mi).
Turn left onto Broadway (364 ft).
You have arrived at our store.
Store Address:
Broadway Liquor & Wine Warehouse
5790 Broadway, Bronx, NY 10463, United States.
The Orin Swift Cellars Eight Years in the Desert is David Swift Phinney's testament to the wine world. He took his first two tons of Zinfandel in 1998 to a brand of significance. The 2018 vintage is massive, yet stylish and restrained. TASTING NOTES: This is a mouthful of wine that explodes onto the palate with the strength of a complex medley of berries. Pair it with slow-grilled baby back ribs. (Tasted: September 19, 2019, San Francisco, CA)
92
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Composed o Zinfandel with Syrah, Petite Sirah and Grenache, the 2018 Red Blend 8 Years in the Desert was aged for eight months in American oak barrels (37% new). Deep garnet-purple colored, it comes roaring out of the glass with notions of baked black cherries, raspberry preserves, blueberry tart and potpourri plus hints of garrigue, tobacco leaf and cinnamon stick. Full-bodied, the richly fruited palate has a pleasantly chewy texture and loads of savory layers coming through on the finish.
California Red Wine: Origins, Flavor & Pairing Guide
California Red Wine is a diverse category of dry red wines produced primarily from grape varieties such as Merlot, Zinfandel, Pinot Noir, and Syrah. Known for their full-bodied and medium-bodied styles, these wines often exhibit rich flavor notes of blackcurrant, cherry, plum, and blackberry, complemented by hints of spice like pepper and clove. The aging process in oak barrels imparts additional aromas of vanilla and toast while enhancing the wine’s complexity.
The texture of California Red Wines varies significantly; Merlot and Pinot Noir typically feature smooth tannins with juicy acidity in Zinfandel providing a refreshing balance. Commonly sourced from renowned regions like Napa Valley and Sonoma County, these wines are crafted using techniques such as cold soaking for color extraction and malolactic fermentation for softness. Ideal for casual dining or celebratory occasions, they pair beautifully with grilled meats, rich pasta dishes, barbecue fare, and hard cheeses.
