Orin Swift Cellars 8 Years In The Desert 2022 750ml

Being stranded in a desert leaves a lot to be desired — how to get back home, where to find food, water and shelter, and thoughts of survival. For eight years in the early 2010s, Orin Swift Cellars was barred from making any Zinfandel wines. From the grape that started everything OSC, the ‘desert’ gave us an opportunity to explore the diverse range of California’s grape varietals. But, as soon as those eight years were up, we had a plan in place to pay homage to our home. The 2021 Eight Years in the Desert marks the sixth iteration of our return to the world of Zinfandel. 

At first glance, the 2022 Eight Years in the Desert looks to be almost black, but after closer inspection, a dark crimson starts to shine through with a tinge of purple on the rim. The nose is rife with notes of ripe blueberry, black plum, wild raspberry, espresso bean, sweet oak and a hint of crème de menthe and cedar. The entry is akin to walking through a tunnel of velvet walls with blackberry jam, reduced strawberry and a touch of rhubarb. Bright acidity throughout the palate, the wine closes with round, ripe tannins, fresh pluot and dark chocolate.

93 Points - 

A proprietary red blend of Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, and Syrah aged seven months in 32% new oak. Brambly red berry fruit, red spices, curry, coriander, cumin, and cedarwood were kissed with vanilla. Round, rich, silken red berry fruits, strawberry preserves, and grilled herbs are harnessed by intricate tannins of fine-grained cedarwood with a long saline mineral finish augmented by crunchy cinnamon-kissed red berry fruits.