Picked up three different red blends at the Wife's request today. These were recommended at a local wine shop. Trying the Abstract tonight with a steak...
I would recommend it if you like blends and lighter reds. Price point is around $35 a bottle.
Orin Swift Abstract 2015
A gorgeous new California red wine gem from a gifted and fast-rising winemaker, Dave Phinney. Owner of Orin Swift Cellars, Dave Phinney has come a long way since beginning his winemaking career with 2 tons of purchased Zinfandel grapes just a year out of college in 1998! Following big successes with wines such as Papillon and The Prisoner, Phinney launched the Abstract label with the 2009 vintage. Abstract came out of Dave's love of Grenache and a desire to make a blend using that varietal as the focal point. The wine has an inky concentration rounded out with Petite Sirah and Syrah. Phinney recently purchased 48 acres of land in the hills above Oakville and hopes one day to build a winery there. Robert Parker rated the 2013 Abstract 94 points. We're anxious to see his score on the 2015!
Orin Swift Abstract is a blend of Grenache, Petite Sirah, and Syrah from Napa, Sonoma, and Mendocino Counties, primarily from hillside vineyards. Opaque and purple to the rim of the glass, an elevated display of aromatics is immediately present. Fragrant dark fruits, spring flowers, violet, and hint of garrigue greet the nose and tempt added review. Extraordinary freshness is present upon entry leading to lush flavors of sweet boysenberries, kirsch, licorice, dark cherries, and exotic floral notes. The palate is thoroughly treated and left with a finish of bright acidity and round tannins, which exist in seamless balance. Aged 10 months in a combination of new and seasoned French oak, 30% new. 15.7% alc.
Enjoy Orin Swift Abstract with steak, roast pork, grilled chicken, BBQ ribs, grilled vegetables and aged cheeses.
Winemaker's Notes
As soon as a glass is poured, aromatic notes of Luxardo cherries, ripe black plums and raspberries billow, with intricate hints of coffee, mocha and caramel in the background. The entry is expansive with dark briar fruits, cola and cocoa with tannins that are soft and dusty. The wine finishes with a hint of wild cherry and a lingering sweet oak presence.