2008 Orin Swift The Prisoner

Napa Valley, California

Orin Swift The Prisoner is a must-try red wine gem from a gifted and fast-rising winemaker, Dave Phinney. Considering that Wine Spectator has selected The Prisoner to join the ranks of the magazine's Top 100 Wines of the Year not just this year (#47 in 2009 for the 2007 vintage) but 3 times in the past 5 years, it is nearly inconceivable that Dave Phinney began his winemaking career with 2 tons of purchased Zinfandel grapes just a year out of college in 1998! He recently purchased 48 acres of land in the hills above Oakville and hopes one day to build a winery there. We can all look forward to enjoying the evolution of Orin Swift Cellars! This new 2008 release just received a 90-point rating from Robert Parker.

Orin Swift The Prisoner 2008 is 46% Zinfandel blended with 26% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Syrah, 10% Petite Sirah, 2% Charbono and 1% Grenache. The wine is deep garnet red with aromas of ripe berries and cherries and a hint of oak. It was aged in both new and seasoned French and American oak. The wine is soft and round with weight, length and structure and good acidity to soften its big fruit. On the finish it is long and satisfying with soft, ripe tannins.

Enjoy Orin Swift The Prisoner with roast pork, grilled chicken, BBQ ribs, grilled vegetables and cheeses.