2019 Orin Swift Abstract

California

Wine Advocate 91 points!

Orin Swift Abstract is a gorgeous California red wine gem from a gifted and fast-rising winemaker, Dave Phinney. Owner of Orin Swift Cellars, Dave Phinney has come a long way since beginning his winemaking career with 2 tons of purchased Zinfandel grapes just a year out of college in 1998! Following big successes with wines such as Papillon and The Prisoner, Phinney launched the Abstract label with the 2009 vintage. Abstract came out of Dave's love of Grenache and a desire to make a blend using that varietal as the focal point. The wine has an inky concentration rounded out with Petite Sirah and Syrah. Phinney recently purchased 48 acres of land in the hills above Oakville and hopes one day to build a winery there.

gDeep garnet-purple colored, the 2019 Proprietary Red Abstract leaps from the glass with a pretty perfume of chocolate-covered cherries, stewed plums and kirsch with hints of Chinese five spice, menthol and Ceylon tea plus a waft of wild sage. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has lovely purity with juicy black and red berry flavors and a soft texture, finishing with a minty lift. 44,322 cases were made. Drink 2021-2029.h—Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate, 91 points!

Immediate popping aromatics of juicy red and dark fruits—raspberries, cranberries, dark plums and pluots—and a hint of deep earthiness are present in the glass. On the palate, the wine is big and massive yet incredibly smooth with similar fruits and a touch of sweet cream. With a luscious and velvety mouthfeel, the wine finishes with lingering ripe black plum and fades softly and slowly. Aged 10 months in a combination of new and seasoned French oak, 35% new. 15.1% alc.

Enjoy Orin Swift Abstract with steak, roast pork, grilled chicken, BBQ ribs, grilled vegetables and aged cheeses.