Winemaker Notes
Heady aromas of brambly raspberry, black fig, and peppercorn dominate; time in the glass exposes more - dark chocolate, fennel, and High Sierra forest floor. The palate is lush and opulent with blackberries, dark plums, and currants. More flavors add to the quality of the blend - a visceral minerality and fresh Herbs de Provence. Fully integrated with puckering tannins, the wine bows out with finesse.
Blend: Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Syrah
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
A blend of Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Syrah and Grenache, aged eight months in 30% new French oak, the deep garnet-purple colored 2017 Red Blend 8 Years in the Desert bursts forth with blackberry pie, warm cassis, licorice and raspberry pie with touches of tree bark, garrigue and potpourri. Full-bodied, rich and jam-packed with opulent berry preserves and exotic spice layers, it has a velvety texture and wonderful freshness, finishing very long.
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
COMMENTARY: I have known Dave Phinney for more than a decade or so, and from my viewpoint, he is one of most iconoclastic artists in the wine business. He produces wines like few others, and his labels are amongst some of the most creative in the industry. The 2017 8 Years in the Desert is a delectable amalgamation of Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, and Syrah. TASTING NOTES: This wine is powerful, yet does not dominate the palate. Its aromas and flavors of mineral, red fruit, black fruit, and oak stay rich and round on the palate. Pair these flavors with an organic, de-constructed hamburger accented with red onions, jalapeño peppers, satiny-ripe avocados, and red leaf lettuce. (Tasted: September 25, 2018, San Francisco, CA USA)
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!