2024 Orin Swift "Eight Years in the Desert #8" California Red Blend

A proprietary red blend of Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, and Syrah. The Zinfandel comes from Stefani Vineyard in Dry Creek, the Petite Sirah from Monte Rosso, and the Syrah from Stagecoach. The wine is aged for eight months in 32% new French oak. The wine is layered with white pepper character and rich mulberry and jammy strawberry fruit, exactly as you’d expect from this blend, but with an added lift of cooler blue-fruited nuance. Everything is supported by a framework of velvety tannins that build through to a long, bright finish. This is the best vintage of this wine I’ve ever tasted. It brings a freshness and ageability factor that feels entirely new for this bottling—full stop. (JC)