Orin Swift 2024 "Advice from John - You Had Me At Hell No" Merlot

Orin Swift’s “Advice from John” is one of those rare, behind‑the‑scenes projects that almost never makes it into the broader market. Unlike the large‑scale blends Dave Phinney is known for, this wine comes from a tiny Merlot parcel he had quietly admired for years — a site that produced unusually dense, blue‑fruited Merlot with the structure and presence of Cabernet. It was compelling enough to catch Phinney’s attention vintage after vintage, but small enough that it never fit into the main Orin Swift lineup. The wine existed as a kind of private fascination until a longtime friend and mentor, John, urged him to bottle it on its own rather than fold it into a blend.

That nudge led to the creation of “Advice from John,” a true micro‑project produced in extremely limited quantities — likely only a few hundred cases. Because of its scale, the wine was not submitted to major critics, pushed into the main national distribution channel, or promoted as part of the brand’s commercial portfolio. Instead, it was released quietly through allocation channels, making it one of the most elusive Orin Swift bottlings. This is the kind of wine collectors talk about in hushed tones: small‑lot, story‑driven, and tied directly to Phinney’s personal relationships and instincts as a winemaker.

Whether the wine will ever be made again remains uncertain. Orin Swift has not announced future vintages, and historically, Phinney only repeats micro‑projects when a vineyard continues to deliver something truly exceptional. Given the personal nature of this bottling and the tiny scale of the fruit source, “Advice from John” may end up being a "one off" — a rare glimpse into the creative, experimental side of Orin Swift. For customers, that means owning a bottle of this wine is not just about enjoying its plush, powerful Merlot character, but also about holding a small piece of the winery’s inner circle and the story that inspired it.

Tasting Notes:
Deep, plush Merlot with the signature Orin Swift intensity—black cherry, blueberry compote, and dark plum wrapped in mocha, graphite, and warm spice. The palate is velvety and expansive, showing ripe fruit concentration balanced by a subtle savory thread that keeps the wine from tipping into excess. Hints of vanilla bean, cedar, and cocoa powder add richness, while fine tannins glide through a long, polished finish. A bold, modern Merlot that delivers both power and approachability in classic Orin Swift fashion.

750ml