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 Abstract pours a deep purple core with a ruby red rim in the glass. Ripe black plum, blueberry and fresh boysenberry dominate the aromatics with complementary notes of leather and Tahitian vanilla. Bright blue and black fruits prosper on the broad entry with tones of blackberry compote and dried lavender. Flooding, rich and concentrated throughout the palate, the wine closes with silky tannins and generous lift.
Blend: Grenache, Petite Sirah and Syrah
93 James Suckling A deep and full-bodied red that’s powerful in black fruit and laced with fine-grained tannins. Blackberry, dried blueberry, black licorice and black pepper flavors backed by sturdy tannins for a grippy texture. A blend of primarily petite sirah with syrah and grenache.
93 Owen Bargreen The 2023 ‘Abstract’ is a beautiful proprietary combination of Petite Sirah, Grenache, Syrah, and Zinfandel that was aged seven months in 30% new oak prior to bottling. On the nose this delivers violet rose petals alongside Hoisin sauce, milk chocolate and green herbs. The palate is plush and rich with a terrific mouthfeel and and texture. When to drink: 2025 to 2034
92 Wine Enthusiast This wine has been a long-time favorite for many years. It is titled Abstract: The Puzzle pieces fit so nicely together. The nose has aromas of rich, ripe Red plums, Blackberry jam, notes of spiced vanilla black tea, clove, and star anise. The palate connects supple, sweet raspberry, Pink grapefruit zest, maple, and lively acidity on the finish.
90 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate The least expensive Orin Swift red is the 2023 Proprietary Red Abstract, a blend of 49% Petite Sirah, 23% Syrah, 21% Grenache and 7% Zinfandel. Matured just seven months in 30% new oak, there's a hint of vanilla to the berry mélange found on the nose, which includes scents of plums, blueberries and cherries. It's full-bodied in the mouth, chunky and bold, with some dark chocolate and mocha notes on the dusty finish.
89 Wine Spectator A spirited red, with a savory bent. A mineral streak runs through the ripe, fleshy core of plum and berries, accented by a note of green peppercorn. The finish reveals a hint of kirsch, and the tannins are a touch rustic but fitting for the style. Syrah, Petit Sirah, Grenache and Zinfandel. Drink now through 2030. 46,000 cases made.
