Orin Swift Cellars Orin Swift Cellars Abstract 2023 750ml

A deep and full-bodied red that’s powerful in black fruit and laced with fine-grained tannins. Blackberry, dried blueberry, black licorice and black pepper flavors backed by sturdy tannins for a grippy texture. A blend of primarily petite sirah with syrah and grenache. Drink or hold.

This wine has been a long-time favorite for many years. It is titled Abstract: The Puzzle pieces fit so nicely together. The nose has aromas of rich, ripe Red plums, Blackberry jam, notes of spiced vanilla black tea, clove, and star anise. The palate connects supple, sweet raspberry, Pink grapefruit zest, maple, and lively acidity on the finish.

Potent and dense, with brooding flavors of blackberry and cherry accented by bitter chocolate, cracked pepper and savory meat tones as this builds tannins on the finish. Grenache, Syrah and Petit Sirah. Best after 2025. 53,000 cases made. (Tim Fish)

The least expensive Orin Swift red is the 2023 Proprietary Red Abstract, a blend of 49% Petite Sirah, 23% Syrah, 21% Grenache and 7% Zinfandel. Matured just seven months in 30% new oak, there's a hint of vanilla to the berry mélange found on the nose, which includes scents of plums, blueberries and cherries. It's full-bodied in the mouth, chunky and bold, with some dark chocolate and mocha notes on the dusty finish.

A Grenache-based blend, the 2022 Proprietary Red Abstract is nicely complex, even if it’s very fruit forward. Grapey, blueberry-like notes add modest hints of anise and peppery spice in this full-bodied wine. It’s gently velvety in texture and broad in the mouth, but it lacks a bit of depth. (Joe Czerwinski)

A spirited red, with a savory bent. A mineral streak runs through the ripe, fleshy core of plum and berries, accented by a note of green peppercorn. The finish reveals a hint of kirsch, and the tannins are a touch rustic but fitting for the style. Syrah, Petit Sirah, Grenache and Zinfandel. Drink now through 2030. 46,000 cases

Plump and ripe, with ample blackberry and boysenberry flavors up front, but a measure of freshness to cut through, adding roasted herb, anise and gravelly undertones on the slightly chewy, peppery finish. Petit Sirah, Grenache and Syrah. Drink now. 31,000 cases made.