Orin Swift Slander Pinot Noir 2022

Region and Vineyards

California offers a patchwork of microclimates ideal for growing Pinot Noir, and Orin Swift draws from some of the state’s finest cool-climate appellations to craft Slander. In 2022, the fruit was sourced from a diverse selection of sites, including Rancho Real in Santa Barbara County, Annapolis in Sonoma, Del Rio, and Laguna Ridge, among others. Each contributes a unique aromatic and structural component to the final wine.

These vineyards benefit from maritime influence, long growing seasons, and well-drained soils—conditions that allow for slow, even ripening while retaining acidity and aromatic nuance. Santa Barbara lends bright red fruit and florals; Sonoma’s coastal ranges contribute minerality and structure. Together, they shape a Pinot that is both varietally true and unmistakably Californian in scale and style. The blend is a harmonious mosaic—each parcel vinified individually before being skillfully assembled.

Winemaking

Slander 2022 is composed entirely of Pinot Noir, a notoriously delicate and expressive grape that demands careful handling in both vineyard and cellar. Following harvest, each vineyard lot underwent separate fermentation, allowing the winemaking team to preserve site-specific characteristics before final blending.

The wine was matured for eight months in French oak barrels, with 37% new oak, lending a subtle spice framework and adding depth without overshadowing the wine’s brightness. Bottled at 15.4% alcohol, Slander maintains balance through its fresh acidity and layered fruit profile. True to Orin Swift’s hallmark style, the wine offers immediate approachability while rewarding short-term cellaring.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Medium ruby core with a nearly translucent rim—vivid and inviting.
• Aroma: Opens with bing cherry, briar fruit, and raspberry, evolving into ripe strawberry and hints of red florals and earth.
• Palate: Juicy and enveloping on entry with flavors of fresh strawberry, watermelon, thyme, and a touch of wild funk. Finishes with subtle spice, blue fruit undertones, and a refreshing lift.

Did you know?

While Orin Swift is often associated with bold Cabernet-based blends, Slander showcases the house’s deft hand with Pinot Noir—a grape known for its sensitivity and elegance. The name “Slander” playfully references the grape’s reputation among winemakers as capricious and difficult, but here, it’s a celebration of its expressive potential when grown and vinified with intent.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Seared Duck Breast with Cherry Reduction: Echoes the wine’s red fruit profile and highlights its supple texture.
• Grilled Salmon with Herbed Couscous: Enhances the wine’s brightness and herbal nuance.
• Mushroom Risotto: A savory pairing that draws out the wine’s earthy and spiced dimensions.
• Brie or Époisses: Soft, creamy cheeses offer a lush counterpart to the wine’s acidity and fruit core.

History of Orin Swift Estate

Founded by Dave Phinney, Orin Swift began with just two tons of Zinfandel grapes and a vision to create wines that push the boundaries of traditional winemaking. After a brief stint studying political science and traveling to Italy, Phinney found his true calling in wine. By 1998, he launched Orin Swift Cellars, combining his father’s middle name, Orin, and his mother’s maiden name, Swift, to honor his family.

Phinney's reputation grew rapidly, especially after the release of The Prisoner, a bold red blend that garnered significant attention. Although Phinney sold The Prisoner label in 2010, he continued to innovate and produce new wines under Orin Swift, focusing on unconventional blends and artistic storytelling through his labels. In 2016, the Gallo family purchased Orin Swift, but Phinney remains at the helm of the brand’s creative and winemaking direction.

Region and Vineyards

Orin Swift sources grapes from a diverse range of vineyards across California, focusing heavily on Napa Valley while also exploring other regions like Sonoma County, Mendocino, Lake County, Lodi, and the Sierra Foothills.

• Napa Valley: At the heart of Orin Swift’s identity is Napa Valley, a world-renowned wine-growing region. Napa’s Mediterranean climate with warm, sunny days and cool nights allows for optimal ripening of grapes, particularly Bordeaux varietals like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. The valley’s soils are diverse, ranging from alluvial fans to volcanic rock, which contribute to the rich complexity of Orin Swift’s wines.

• Sonoma County: For wines that demand a more restrained, balanced profile, Phinney turns to Sonoma County. The Russian River Valley and other subregions within Sonoma provide a cooler climate, perfect for growing varieties like Syrah and Grenache, which need to retain acidity while developing lush fruit flavors.

• Mendocino and Lake County: In the rugged and cooler climates of Mendocino and Lake County, grapes benefit from higher altitudes and cooler breezes. These regions contribute vibrant acidity and intense concentration to the fruit, making them ideal for Orin Swift’s signature powerful blends. The Zinfandel and Petite Sirah sourced from these areas help create some of the brand’s most robust wines.

• Lodi and Sierra Foothills: Regions like Lodi and the Sierra Foothills are known for their warm Mediterranean climate and rich, volcanic soils. These areas are particularly important for Orin Swift’s Zinfandel-based wines, including the critically acclaimed 8 Years in the Desert. The warm climate allows for ripe, juicy fruit flavors while still maintaining structure and balance.

Wine Range

Orin Swift’s portfolio is diverse, offering a range of full-bodied, intense wines. Each wine tells a story, both through its name and the artful design of its label.

• Papillon: A classic Bordeaux-style blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petit Verdot, with powerful flavors of dark fruit, tobacco, and spice.
• Machete: Known for its dramatic label and equally bold flavors, this Petite Sirah-based blend delivers layers of blackberry, black currant, and mocha.
• 8 Years in the Desert: A Zinfandel-driven blend that marks Dave Phinney’s return to Zinfandel after an eight-year hiatus. This wine is rich, ripe, and bursting with spice.
• Abstract: A blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Petite Sirah, this wine offers a decadent mix of ripe fruit, chocolate, and licorice with silky tannins.

Did you know?

The name Orin Swift pays homage to Phinney's family heritage, combining his father’s middle name and mother’s maiden name. This personal connection underscores the importance of family and legacy in Phinney’s winemaking journey. Additionally, the winery’s artistic labels often feature surreal and provocative imagery, each designed to evoke an emotional response and mirror the bold nature of the wine inside.