Orin Swift Cellars Abstract 2021
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Robert
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Winemaker Notes
An opaque purple core with a glowing mauve rim, the 2021 Abstract brings forth opening aromas of muddled blue and blackberries with a frame of dark chocolate brownie and seasoned leather. The wine enters with class, being soft and lush, with notes of ripe plum, boysenberry and Santa Maria tri-tip. Grippy, chewy tannins, the wine closes with pleasing sarsaparilla and blackcurrant.
Professional Ratings
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Decanter
Black cherry and kirsch, with pronounced oak, vanilla and chocolate notes. Broad and mouthfilling, with a deep concentration of blueberry fruit, black currant, vanilla and mocha. Grippy, angular tannins resolve with good acidity and a lengthy finish of earth, chocolate and cedar. This label was first introduced after the Prisoner sale, having debuted in 2009. 'With over 75,000 square miles of California represented in this blend, it is a true amalgamation,’ says Dave Phinney. The blend for Abstract begins with Grenache, and then they weave in Syrah and Petite Sirah, but the combination and blend differ from year to year.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Perhaps it is inevitable in a blended red that includes Petite Sirah, Grenache and Syrah, but the nose of the 2021 Proprietary Red Abstract is a bit generic, with decent fruit represented by a mix of berries and cherries. Sourced from areas as diverse as Sonoma, Napa and Lodi, it's full-bodied and softly tannic, with an herbal nuance and a hint of dark chocolate on the gently dusty finish. Best After 2023
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Orin Swift Cellars, led by winemaker Dave Phinney, is a brand known as much for its creative and evocative expression of art on the front of the bottle as it is the bold, yet finessed styling within the bottle. Based out of Saint Helena, within the prized Napa Valley, Orin Swift features a portfolio of wines that appeal to a variety of senses. It all begins in the vineyard. Sourcing for the Orin Swift family takes Dave across the state of California, with special interest in the Napa Valley, Sonoma County and Santa Barbara area. He sets his sights on small lots within the most coveted vineyards while ensuring that only fruit of the highest quality makes it into the final blend. Every wine in the portfolio, from the vineyard source to the distinct artwork adorning the label, offers a unique point of view while creating a heart-skipping impression.
“There’s a soul to this business.. that soul isn’t just from the people who make wine, it’s from everyone who loves wines that make them feel something.”—Dave Phinney
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!