Winemaker Notes
What first catches the eye is the opaque mauve core paired with a vivid fuchsia as it approaches the rim. Coating the glass, the 2024 Eight Years in the Desert opens with aromatics reminiscent of a black plum and boysenberry galette, Tellicherry peppercorn, cedar and musk. Taut yet supple on the entry, the palate exudes notes of wild blackberry, crispy pluot, a hint of fennel and slate. Pleasing texture on the finish, the soft framing tannins lead into a close of milk chocolate covered raspberry.
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
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.
California is a winemaking colossus; by itself it is the fourth largest producer in the world. Red wine accounts for 56% of the total by volume, and red grapes 63% of total acres planted. In addition, a number of California red wines are heralded as being among the most prestigious and sought-after wines in the world.
While the state’s incredibly diverse geography, soils and microclimates allow for a wide array of styles, the key factor unifying California red wine is the abundance of sunshine and a long, consistent growing season. This leads to well-developed fruit marked both by impressive ripeness and balancing acidity.
The state’s most famous red wine region, of course, is Napa Valley, where Cabernet Sauvignon reigns as king. But California boasts a wealth of other impressive appellations. The much larger and climatically varied Sonoma County also produces world class California Cabernet, along with wonderful examples of California Pinot Noir and Zinfandel.
Fine versions of Cabernet and Zinfandel hail from Paso Robles as well, which is also gaining fame with Rhone varietals like Syrah and Grenache. As for Pinot Noir, terrific examples can be found from AVA’s such as Anderson Valley, Carneros, Santa Lucia Highlands and Sta. Rita Hills. Wineries in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties are making wonderful Syrahs, and the Sierra Foothill appellations are proving to be an experimental hotbed, with Italian and Spanish varietals employed to great effect.
This of course is a mere sketch. The subject of California red wine is as deep and broad as an ocean, and absolutely a joy to explore!