While studying in Florence, Italy during his college years, David Phinney developed a deep-seated passion for wine. On returning he worked at Robert Mondavi Winery during harvest in 1997. The following year he established Orin Swift Cellars. His ideology was an unconventional style of blending different varietals across varying sites in California. His success story was founded on the creation of his most iconic wine in 2000, The Prisoner, boasting a Goya label. Phinney later sold The Prisoner to Huneeus for $40 million and Gallo acquired the rights to the Orin Swift collection for $100 million.

2019 Abstract: This is a clever blend of Grenache, Syrah and Petite Syrah aged in French and American Oak. This broadly shouldered wine is a youngster with elements of cassis, cola and generous ripe tannins. The mid-palate is supple with undercurrents of tea and dried fruits. Give this wine a few months to develop its full potential.

2018 Papillon: One of the crown jewels in the Orin Swift portfolio. A blend of all five Bordeaux varietals aged for 15 months in French oak. This blend is as plush and juicy as grandma’s fresh baked cherry pie with an extra helping of crushed boysenberries and blackberries on top. It reveals a bit of a ripe brambly character with a touch of cinnamon and black pepper. It is a gem that is concentrated but remains silky and balanced through the long finish.