Orin Swift is a Napa Valley winery founded in 1998 by winemaker Dave Phinney, who built the brand on bold, unconventional blends and striking, art‑driven labels. Named after his father’s middle name (Orin) and his mother’s maiden name (Swift), the winery quickly gained a cult following for its powerful style and creative storytelling. Phinney’s early success included The Prisoner, which became a breakout hit and helped define the winery’s reputation for boundary‑pushing wines before the label was sold in 2010. Today, Orin Swift continues to craft expressive, meticulously blended wines that merge Napa Valley fruit with a fearless artistic identity.
The 2023 Eight Years in the Desert pours a dark mauve core with a red amethyst rim and aromatic notes of ripe blackberry and raspberry bramble. Further hints of chocolate covered espresso bean, black pepper and allspice emanate from the glass. The entry is dominated by black plum preserves and freshly baked mixed berry morning bun with an energetic yet concentrated mid-palate. Soft and textured tannins give way to a lifted finish with a touch of pluot and dried tarragon.
Blend: 74% Zinfandel, 24% Petite Sirah and 2% Syrah
93 Owen Bargreen An outstanding edition of Zinfandel, the 2023 Orin Swift ‘Eight Years In the Desert’ was storied in mainly neutral French oak for six months prior to bottling. This comes off round and generous, loaded with bright red and dark fruits that collide with chocolate cake and Arabica bean on the palate. When to drink: 2025 to 2034
92 James Suckling A luscious, chocolatey and full-bodied red that's potently fruity, spicy and broad in feel, with a good bite of tannin for structure. Dark chocolate, blackberry jam, wood smoke, black pepper flavors and a touch of vanilla bean. Drink now.
90 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate 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.
