Orin Swift 8 Years in the Desert Red Blend 2024 750ml

Orin Swift Cellars was created by Dave Phinney and is now owned by E. & J. Gallo. The name tells a story: after the sale of The Prisoner, a non-compete kept Phinney from making Zinfandel for eight years, and this wine, launched around the start of 2019, marked his return to the grape.

The 2024 is about 60% Zinfandel, mainly from Dry Creek Valley, with 28% Petite Sirah, 7% Syrah and 5% other red grapes, aged about eight months in French oak, part of it new. It's about 15.4% alcohol, under cork.

Expect black plum, boysenberry, black pepper and cedar, then wild blackberry and a hint of fennel, soft tannins and a finish like chocolate-covered raspberry.

Against Stags' Leap Petite Sirah, 8 Years in the Desert is Zinfandel-led and higher in alcohol; for a bold, fruit-forward California red, choose 8 Years in the Desert.

Serve it slightly cool with barbecued ribs, smoked brisket or pepper-crusted steak.

Browse more California wine and our red blends. Pick it up at our Brooklyn store or get same-day delivery in Brooklyn, Manhattan & Queens.