Tasting notes

This vintage has a deep ruby hue that is nearly opaque. The aromas elevate from the glass starting with black currant, dark blackberry, cherry, and cassis rounded out by subtle hints of seasoned French and American oak. The entry of the wine is massive and leads into a lush middle framed by bright acid and supple tannins. The finish is long, lingering and filled with soft velvety tannins lasting for nearly thirty seconds.

Wine maker notes

Dave Phinney is one of Napa Valley's rising star winemakers. In 2001 at the age of 28, he was honored by Dean & Deluca as Winemaker of the Year for his Orin Swift Cellars label. Dave's path to winemaking did not follow the usual course of attaining an enology or viticulture degree from a university. Rather, he got to thinking about winemaking when contemplating life and career choices over a cheap bottle of Chianti in Florence, Italy at the age of 19. After graduating from the University of Arizona, he moved to Napa Valley and quickly found himself working at Whitehall Lane Winery with one of the finest winemakers in the Napa Valley, Dean Sylvester. Dave absorbed everything he could and also began making his own wines. Presently, Dave Phinney produces: "Abstract" Grenache blend, "The Prisoner" Zinfandel, "Papillon" Cabernet blend, "Mercury Head" Cabernet, and a Sauvignon Blanc from the Tofanelli vineyard. Orin Swift is a combination of Dave's father's middle name, Orin, and his mother's maiden name, Swift.