2009 Orin Swift - Abstract Proprietary Blend - USA - California - Sonoma - Red

Fruit forward aromas and the nose explodes with dark fruit and spice. Velvet on the tongue. Incredibly silky tannins. The finish is amazing. It seems to disappear after swallowing and then reappears and lingers for a remarkably long time, like a chocolate covered dark cherry with a little menthol.

big spice, medium complexity, medium to full bodied, average finish. Small nose - very drinkable. Opened up in ~45 mins.

#45 on WS top 100 for 2011

2009 Abstract California Red Wine, Inaugural Vintage Abstract is a blend of Grenache, Petite Sirah, and Syrah primarily from hillside vineyards in Sonoma County. The aromas are all berry and black fruits, with neatly integrated caramelized oak. A huge entry coats the mouth. The wine has tons of weight on the mid-palate and is dense with layers of ripe cherry and strawberries. The finish is laced with long soft tannins that go on and on. Abstract is inspired by the wines Dave Phinney has been drinking in the Pyrénées-Orientales over the past two years. In this mountainous outpost of France's Roussillon region, Dave started making wine at his own small winery. He wanted to make something from similar varietals (back here at home) that one can open and enjoy every day. Inaugural release: October 2010 Oak: 10 mos. French Oak - 30% new 15.7% Alc. by volume Suggested retail price - $25