More About the Orin Swift 8 Years In the Desert California Red Blend 2022. A winemaker's life experiences are what shapes their individual winemaking style. Eight Years in the Desert results in the culmination of winemaker Dave Phinney's trials and tribulations, which began back in 1998 with two tons of Zinfandel. It actually didn't work out the first time and he sold the wine on the bulk market. He tried again in 1999 and made just 29 cases of Orin SwiftZinfandel... In 2000, the Zinfandel wasn't great on its own, so he blended other varietals and produced the inaugural vintage of The Prisoner, which he continued to make for the next eight vintages before selling the brand. The Eight Years in the Desert name references his eight year non-compete agreement where he couldn't produce Zinfandel Blends after the sale of The Prisoner... Dave has always been one of the most creative and innovative winemakers when it comes to blending and packaging. Beginning with the 2016 vintage, and produced in each sequential harvest for the next eight years, each release will have a unique label. The 2018 is styled with seductive layers of red and blue fruits, savory spices and hints of vanilla spice. The wine is primarily Zinfandel heightened with Syrah, Petite Sirah and Grenache. I highly recommend trying a case... Winery Notes: "An opaque core with a red amethyst rim, the wine opens with ripe raspberry and blackberry, dark plum preserves and hints of black pepper and clove. An entry of heft, the palate is packed with blueberry and sweet black cherry along with touch of fresh herbs-thyme, savory and tarragon. Long on the finish, the ripe tannins, a dash of ash, and notes of black tea round out the wine."