Orin Swift Cellars Orin Swift Cellars 8 Years in the Desert 2024 750ml

Based primarily on Zinfandel (60%, mainly from Sonoma's Dry Creek Valley), Orin Swift's 2024 Red Blend 8 Years in the Desert also includes 28% Petite Sirah, 7% Syrah and 5% other reds. The largest-production wine in the range this vintage (41,500 cases), it's a terrific effort, with a perfumed nose of ripe raspberries and hints of stone fruit. It's full-bodied (15.4% alcohol) and silky-textured, nicely balanced and mouthwatering, with soft tannins on the finish.

A luscious, chocolatey and full-bodied red that's potently fruity, spicy and broad in feel, with a good bite of tannin for structure. Dark chocolate, blackberry jam, wood smoke, black pepper flavors and a touch of vanilla bean. Drink now.

Sourced primarily from Dry Creek, the 2023 Red Blend 8 Years in the Desert includes 74% Zinfandel, 24% Petite Sirah and 2% Syrah, all aged seven months in 35% new oak. Attractive floral and stone-fruit nuances accent ripe raspberries on the nose, while the full-bodied palate boasts a supple, silky feel that gives way to some tarry notes and a slight green-peppercorn astringency on the finish. (Joe Czerwinski)

Sourced primarily from Dry Creek, the 2023 Red Blend 8 Years in the Desert includes 74% Zinfandel, 24% Petite Sirah and 2% Syrah, all aged seven months in 35% new oak. Attractive floral and stone-fruit nuances accent ripe raspberries on the nose, while the full-bodied palate boasts a supple, silky feel that gives way to some tarry notes and a slight green-peppercorn astringency on the finish.

Potent and concentrated, with gutsy currant flavors that are accented by licorice, espresso and smoked pepper flavors, finishing with slightly gritty tannins. Zinfandel, Syrah and Petite Sirah. Best after 2024. 68,000 cases made. (Tim Fish)