Orin Swift Cellars dates back to 1995 when on a lark, David Swift Phinney took a friend up on an offer and went to Florence, Italy to spend a semester “studying”. During that time, he was introduced to wine, how it was made, and got hooked. A few more years of university led to graduation and eventually a job at Robert Mondavi Winery in 1997 as a temporary harvest worker. Deciding that if he was going to work this hard, it would eventually have to be for himself, he founded Orin Swift Cellars in 1998; Orin is his father’s middle name and Swift is his mother’s maiden name. With two tons of zinfandel and not much else, he spent the next decade making wine for others as well as himself and grew the brand to what it is today.
Grab a flight of these wines for $10!
Featured Wines:
1) Mannequin Chardonnay 2017
California; $34.99
This is a true “California” Chardonnay striving for the perfect balance. Produced from a blend of fruit from the cool Sonoma Coast and Russian River Valley, the mountains of Atlas Peak, and from the warmer south in Santa Lucia Highlands. Lighter on butter and just enough French oak to round out the wine. Aromas of Meyer lemon, creamy vanilla, and sweet oak are complemented by subtle notes of jasmine, gardenias and caramel. - Sample $3.00
2) Abstract Red Blend 2018
California; $37.99
Alongside The Prisoner, Abstract was one of the first wines to hit big for Dave Phinney. A warm climate blend with an homage to southern France. Typically Grenache and Syrah based with some Petite Sirah thrown in to add some density and depth. Aged eight months in mostly used oak barrels. It has a punch of aromatics with notes of blueberry, fig, strawberry, rhubarb and hints of “meatiness” (Got to love Syrah). A pretty rich style with the fruit pushing a bit darker on the palate backed up with licorice and barrel spice. - Sample $3.50
3) 8 Years in the Desert
California; $44.99
To make a long story short… When Dave Phinney sold off The Prisoner he signed a non-compete agreement to not produce any new wines for eight years. Now that time has passed and this is the second vintage of this killer release. This like The Prisoner is showcasing his love for Zinfandel. Sourced from high pedigree vineyards throughout California such as Monte Rosso, Bismark, Korte and Frei Ranch. Blended with Syrah for added dark and blue fruits, Petite Sirah for more body and Grenache for floral and bright red fruit. The result is an explosion of ripe raspberry and blackberry, dark plum preserves and hints of black pepper and clove. - Sample $4.00
4) Palermo Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
Napa Valley, California; $54.99
This is a nice blend of both valley floor and mountain fruit. Blended with just a touch of Merlot and Cabernet Franc to add some depth and then aged a full year in French oak. It hits the palate rich and smooth with lots of ripe raspberry, dense currant, and crème caramel. - Sample $5.00