Winemaker Notes
The 2019 Zinfandel was blessed with ideal growing conditions across the state, similar to the 2018 iteration. Syrah and Petite Sirah also benefited from the growing season. Sourced from premier California growing regions, the 2019 8 Years in the Desert is a quintessential exemplar of drinkability, perceived sweetness and complexity.
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Medium garnet-purple colored, the 2019 Zinfandel Blend 8 Years in the Desert delivers notions of stewed plums, baked raspberries and fruitcake with hints of powdered cinnamon, clove oil, tree bark, hoisin and dusty soil. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is chock-full of ripe, spicy black and red fruits, supported by chewy tannins and tons of freshness, finishing long and earthy.
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
COMMENTARY: The 2019 Orin Swift Cellars 8 Years in the Dessert #3 comes to the party to stay. TASTING NOTES: This wine offers aromas and flavors of black fruit and licorice. Serve it a well-seasoned, oven-baked Porchetta. (Tasted: July 18, 2021, San Francisco, CA)
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Wine Spectator
A bombastic style, but what this lacks in finesse it compensates with bold blackberry, licorice and smoky pepper flavors. Zinfandel, Syrah and Petite Sirah. Drink now.
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!