Orin Swift Cellars was founded by David Swift Phinney and is today regarded as one of America’s top boutique wineries. David fell in love with wine while visiting Florence in Italy and spent time working for Robert Mondavi Winery before founding his own project in 1998. The unusual name of the winery comes from a combination of his father’s middle name, Orin, and his mother’s maiden name, Swift.
This stunning Pinot Noir is crafted from high quality fruit sourced from top vineyards in the Sonoma Coast, Russian River Valley and Santa Rita Hills AVAs. following vinification the wine ages in French oak for a total of 10 months which helps to add complexity and a touch of spice to the finished wine.
On the nose there are intense hints of baked black cherries, dried rose petals, and earthy forest floor. The first sip reveals a generous full body, rich dark plums, strawberries and cranberries. Oak ageing helps to soften the tannins which are remarkably smooth and mellow, and the wine closes with a long finish of caramel, toasted brioche and raspberry jam. The bright red fruit character of this wine make it an ideal partner for duck dishes, and it will also continue to develop and evolve in the cellar over the next decade or so.