Like a beautiful abstract collage combines many different images into one, “Abstract” combines wines from 150 different specific plots of land and harmoniously balances them together. With a drought ridden growing season, winemaker Dave Phinney was left with very low yields. He noticed that the small quantity of grapes he did have were small clusters of small berries that were intensely concentrated. After fermenting and barrel ageing each lot separately, he set out to find his abstract wine among all the barrels. Each was a good wine on its own, but when he found the right ratios, his perfect “Abstract” art piece revealed itself.
The first aromas include ripe black plums and Luxardo cherries. After a swirl in the glass further notes of caramel, coffee and mocha subtly slide forward. When tasting, the berry forward quality of the Grenache is balanced generously by the dusty and soft tannins.
Drink with spicier beef dishes or cured pork like Jamon Iberico. Since the varietals all derive from Southern France, consider the classic Provencial Beef Daube as a perfect pairing.
Orin Swift Cellars is owned and operated by David Swift Phinney. After falling in love with wine on a trip to Florence, Italy, he worked as a temporary harvester for Robert Mondavi Winery before starting Orin Swift Cellars in 1998. Orin comes from his father’s middle name while Swift is his mother’s maiden name.