Winemaker Notes
The 2023 Abstract pours a deep purple core with a ruby red rim in the glass. Ripe black plum, blueberry and fresh boysenberry dominate the aromatics with complementary notes of leather and Tahitian vanilla. Bright blue and black fruits prosper on the broad entry with tones of blackberry compote and dried lavender. Flooding, rich and concentrated throughout the palate, the wine closes with silky tannins and generous lift.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
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.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
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.
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Wine Spectator
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 made.
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!