Orin Swift “Eight Years in the Desert” is a bold California red blend poured at Grappa in Seattle’s Queen Anne neighborhood. Crafted by Dave Phinney’s Orin Swift Cellars in Sonoma County, the 2022 release is a Zinfandel-driven blend rounded out with Syrah and Petite Sirah. We pour it for guests who want a brambly, full-throttle red with a great story behind the label.

About the Winery

David Swift Phinney founded Orin Swift Cellars in 1998, naming it for his father’s middle name and his mother’s maiden name. He began with two tons of Zinfandel and built one of California’s most recognizable boutique labels. Eight Years in the Desert nods to the stretch of years Phinney spent away from working with Zinfandel before returning to the grape that launched his career.

Region & Grape

This 2022 bottling comes from Sonoma County, California. It is led by Zinfandel and filled out with Syrah and Petite Sirah, with some fruit drawn from very old vines. That combination is what gives the wine its concentration and dark, spicy character.

Tasting Notes

Expect a bold, brambly red. The nose offers dark berries layered with spice, coffee, and cocoa. The palate is rich and full-bodied, with ripe black and blue fruit and a savory, mocha-tinged depth. The finish is long and warming. This is a powerful wine made for big flavors.

What to Pair It With

Its bold, spicy profile shines with our Spicy Sausage Rigatoni, American Wagyu Steaks, or Lasagna. See the full dine-in menu for more.

How It’s Served at Grappa

Eight Years in the Desert is offered by the bottle at $108.

FAQ

Who makes Eight Years in the Desert?

It is made by Dave Phinney’s Orin Swift Cellars. The 2022 vintage, from Sonoma County, California, is poured at Grappa in Queen Anne, Seattle.

What does Eight Years in the Desert taste like?

It is bold and brambly, with dark berries, spice, coffee, and cocoa. The palate is rich and full-bodied with a long, warming finish.

Is this wine strong and dry?

Yes. It is a powerful, dry red led by Zinfandel with Syrah and Petite Sirah. It is full-bodied and concentrated rather than sweet.

Ready to taste it? Book a table, browse the full wine list, and see the dine-in menu.