Orin Swift Abstract Red California 2018

94 points Decanter: "Orin Swift’s Dave Phinney must be like a kid in a sweet shop when given the keys to E&J Gallo’s vast roster of vineyards and told to take whatever fruit he wants. Here he has plundered Grenache, Syrah and Petite Syrah for the flagship Abstract blend. It’s a bold and assertive but brilliantly on-song – note-perfect in fact, with blackberry, red liquorice and earth combining to create a soulful, ethereal wine. Drinking Window: 2020-2035. (Mar 2020)"

92 points Wine Spectator: "[$43 list] A bold and jammy blend, plump with personality, offering blackberry, espresso and smoky, peppered beef flavors that build structure toward medium-grained tannins. Syrah, Petite Sirah, Grenache and Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink now through 2028. (7/1/20)"

91 points James Suckling: "A juicy, fruity red with lots of dried berries and walnuts, as well as hints of raisins. Full-bodied and very rich, yet not completely overdone. Leather and graphite. A blend of grenache, petite sirah and syrah. Drink now. (2/14/20)"

90.3 points CellarTracker.com community score.

Producer notes: "Grenache, Syrah, Petite Sirah. Aromatics with gravity, the wine pulls you in with notes of blueberry, black fig, bloodied strawberry and hints of musk and rhubarb. Bold on the entry, the palate exudes rich notes of dark plum and ripe framboise with a slightly chalky texture. The wine transitions effortlessly to a finish of black cherry, sweet licorice and some quick drying tannins. Aged for 8 months in French and American oak (27% new). Alcohol 15.2%."